Background
The Cambodian Liaison Group (CLG) coordinated a field visit on 20 August 2026 at 09:20 for the ASEAN Observer Team in Cambodia (AOT‑KH), led by the Head of Mission from the Philippines, to conduct observation and verification at the Poipet International Border Checkpoint in Kbal Spean 1 Village, O’Chrov District, Poipet Municipality, Banteay Meanchey Province.
The ministry reported that the visited site lies in Phsar Kandal area roughly 8.2 kilometres from the Poipet international checkpoint and sustained severe damage during airstrikes involving F‑16 aircraft in December 2025; affected civilian commercial locations have not resumed normal operations. Cambodia referenced the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special Meeting of the Cambodia–Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) on 27 December 2025 and the Joint Declaration on the Peace Agreement between Cambodia and Thailand on 26 October 2025 to underline the role of on‑site verification in enforcing the ceasefire.
Key Developments
The AOT‑KH visit followed the ceasefire that came into effect earlier in 2026 and involved on‑site inspection and reporting at locations identified by Cambodian authorities as heavily damaged. The Ministry of National Defence publicly described the inspected sites as civilian commercial areas that remain unable to resume business activity due to physical destruction attributed to the December 2025 airstrikes.
Institutional Role
The Cambodian Liaison Group performed coordination duties to facilitate the ASEAN Observer Team’s access and verification work at the border site. The AOT mandate, as reiterated by Cambodian statements, is to observe, verify, and report on compliance with ceasefire commitments established in GBC and related joint agreements.
Implications for Civilians
Local civilian commercial properties at Phsar Kandal were reported as extensively damaged, with the ministry noting ongoing disruption to livelihoods and the inability of affected businesses to operate normally. Documentation from the AOT verification visit contributes to the administrative record used by Cambodian authorities and regional actors to monitor border security and humanitarian impacts.
Official Source
Source: Press release from the Ministry of National Defence of the Kingdom of Cambodia, 20 August 2026, published on the Ministry’s official social media channels and website. Original post: Facebook – Ministry of National Defence.
