Cambodia Urges Stronger ASEAN Observer Role Amid Border Tensions

PHNOM PENH, Jan 23, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia has called for a stronger mandate for the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) to ensure full implementation of the ceasefire agreement with Thailand, government spokesman Pen Bona said Friday.

Speaking at a briefing on the border situation, Bona said Cambodia remained committed to the ceasefire that took effect on 27 December 2025, and had worked closely with ASEAN observers to promote transparency.

He said Cambodia had “strictly and sincerely” adhered to the agreement while facilitating AOT verification missions, including damage assessments following what he described as armed attacks by Thai forces.

On 21 January, ASEAN observers were deployed to Sampov Loun and Phnom Proek districts in Battambang province.

Since early January, monitoring missions have covered Pursat, Oddar Meanchey and Banteay Meanchey, inspecting checkpoints, health centres and affected villages.

Observers also visited displaced civilians at Kandal Refugee Camp in Thma Puok district and inspected damaged infrastructure, including homes and referral hospitals.

In Preah Vihear province, the team conducted inspections in Sra’em commune and the Preah Vihear Temple area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cambodia has urged ASEAN to expand the observer mandate to help ensure continued ceasefire compliance and stability along the disputed border.