PR Cambodian Government

Unofficial Translation Press Release The Spokeswoman of the Ministry of National Defence of the Kingdom of Cambodia, wishes to inform the public as well as members of national and international media as follows: On Tuesday, 14 July 2026, at 11:45hrs, the Cambodian Liaison Group (CLG) coordinated a field visit for the ASEAN Observer Team in Cambodia (AOT-KH), led by the Head of Mission (AOT KH HOM) from the Philippines, to meet with displaced civilians and observe their living conditions at Ta Koeng Baitong Village, Thmey Commune, Kulen District, Preah Vihear Province, with a number of 645 families. Please be informed that, to date, the displaced civilians are still unable to return to their homes due to the illegal occupation of Cambodian territory by Thai military forces in several areas, characterized by the installation of barbed wire fences, the placement of shipping containers, and the destruction of their residences. The ASEAN Observer Team's (AOT) observation, verification, and visit to displaced civilian who remain unable to return home underscore the absolute necessity for the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) to launch border demarcation work as soon as possible. This alignment adheres to existing agreements, specifically point three of the Joint Statement from the 3rd Special Meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) on December 27, 2025, which aims to ensure that our citizens can safely, peacefully, and with dignity return to their homes without any obstruction. Cambodia maintains a firm stance on protecting the Cambodia–Thailand international border as established by the Indochina–Siam Boundary Commission, by respecting the principles of international law, including the principle of the intangibility of inherited borders (Uti Possidetis Juris), and by respecting the Franco–Siamese conventions and treaties, maps, and the procès-verbaux of the Commission of the Abornement of the Boundary between Indo-China and Siam, as well as relevant agreements and documents that both parties have previously agreed upon. Cambodia absolutely does not recognize any border alterations resulting from the use of force. The public, as well as national and international journalists, are hereby informed of the facts regarding this matter. Tuesday, July 14, 2026