Cambodia hosts ASEAN observers as Philippines takes over border mission

PHNOM PENH, March 28, 2026 (KPT) – ASEAN observers visited Cambodia’s northwestern frontier Saturday to monitor a ceasefire with Thailand, coinciding with a leadership handover in the regional mission, the defence ministry said.

At 08:25 local time, the Cambodian Liaison Group escorted the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) to Prey Chan village in Banteay Meanchey province to observe, verify and report on developments, ministry spokeswoman Lieutenant General Maly Socheata said.

The visit came as Malaysia, the outgoing ASEAN chair, formally handed over responsibilities to the Philippines, which will now lead the observer mission in Cambodia.

Lt Gen Socheata reaffirmed Phnom Penh’s commitment to implementing agreements aimed at peace and stability, citing the outcomes of a General Border Committee meeting in December 2025 and a peace accord signed in October that year.

“The Royal Government and Ministry of National Defence remain firmly committed to ensuring rapid recovery, restoring normalcy, and promoting long-term peace and stability in the region,” she said.

Officials said the presence of ASEAN monitors underscored Cambodia’s support for regional efforts to secure the border and uphold international agreements.