ASEAN observers visit displaced families in Preah Vihear, Cambodia urges border talks

PREAH VIHEAR, July 14, 2026 (KPT) – An ASEAN observer team has visited displaced families in Cambodia’s Preah Vihear province, as Phnom Penh renewed its call for border demarcation talks with Thailand, the Ministry of National Defence said Tuesday.

The ministry said the Cambodian Liaison Group facilitated the field visit by the ASEAN Observer Team in Cambodia (AOT‑KH), led by its Philippine head of mission, to Wat Peung Angkam safety centre – also known as Wat Bak Kam – in Chhean Mok commune, Tbeng Meanchey district. The site is sheltering 295 families.

According to the ministry, the families remain unable to return home due to what Cambodia described as the continued presence of Thai military forces in disputed areas.

It alleged Thai troops had installed barbed wire, placed shipping containers and destroyed houses. Thailand has not publicly responded to the allegations.

The ministry said the observer team’s visit underscored the need for the Cambodia‑Thailand Joint Boundary Commission to begin demarcation work in line with previous agreements, including commitments made at the third Special Meeting of the General Border Committee in December 2025.

It added that the process would help displaced residents return safely. Cambodia reiterated its position that the international border must be determined according to existing treaties, maps and agreements, including those established by the former Indochina‑Siam Boundary Commission. It said Cambodia does not recognise any changes resulting from the use of force.