ASEAN chair vows to strengthen observer team to support Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire

PHNOM PENH, Feb 24, 2026 (KPT) — The Philippines, as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for 2026, has pledged to bolster the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) to help sustain the fragile ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand.

In a statement Monday, Philippine Ambassador to Cambodia Flerida Ann Camille P. Mayo said Manila welcomed consultations with both sides and was committed to supporting efforts aimed at maintaining the truce.

“The Republic of the Philippines, as ASEAN Chair for 2026, commends the consultations held with both countries regarding the ceasefire and is committed to strengthening the operational capacity of the ASEAN Observer Team,” she said.

Mayo added that the move would give the two countries time to establish a mutually acceptable bilateral mechanism, with ASEAN support, to ensure lasting peace.

She made the remarks during a visit to Banteay Meanchey province on February 23, where she inspected sites for displaced people and areas Cambodia says have been violated by Thai forces.

She noted that the chief of staff of the Philippine armed forces had also visited the area as part of ongoing consultations to gather input from both sides and review the observer team’s Terms of Reference.

The ASEAN chair, she said, stood ready to provide further facilitation at the request of the parties. “As one ASEAN family, we hope for a peaceful resolution to the Cambodia–Thailand border issue,” she added.

Cambodian authorities have accused Thai forces of creating “new facts on the ground” by laying barbed wire, installing containers and demolishing homes in disputed areas.

Phnom Penh says it has lodged formal protests through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and rejects any alteration of the border or occupation of its territory by force, which it argues would violate international law.