Cambodian Military Chief Reaffirms Support for ASEAN Border Mission

PHNOM PENH, May 7, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s military chief has stressed that border disputes must never be settled by force, voicing strong support for ASEAN’s observer mission along the frontier with Thailand as regional efforts continue to prevent escalation.

General Vong Pisen, Commander in Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, delivered the remarks during talks with Rear Admiral Glenn Z. Dizon, the new head of the Philippine led ASEAN Observer Team, at armed forces headquarters in Phnom Penh.

The meeting focused on border security, regional cooperation and the role of ASEAN observers in maintaining stability.

Rear Admiral Dizon thanked Cambodian authorities for what he described as strong cooperation and support, saying it had enabled the mission to operate safely and effectively.

He pledged the observer team would continue impartial monitoring in sensitive border areas to help prevent violations and reduce tensions.

General Vong Pisen said Cambodia valued ASEAN’s role in supporting peace and stability, particularly during periods of heightened tension with Thailand.

He reiterated Cambodia’s position that disputes should be resolved peacefully through dialogue, international law and existing bilateral agreements, while rejecting the use of force to alter borders.

He expressed confidence in the Philippines’ leadership of the mission, describing it as a “new chapter” in easing the long running dispute.

The ASEAN Observer Team was established to monitor sensitive areas and support confidence building measures between the neighboring countries. Border tensions have periodically resurfaced despite years of diplomatic engagement.