ASEAN Observer Team begins inaugural mission at Preah Vihear border

PREAH VIHEAR, May 15, 2026 (KPT) — An ASEAN observer mission has launched its first operation to monitor conditions around Cambodia’s Preah Vihear temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site long at the centre of border tensions with Thailand.

Defence ministry spokeswoman Lieutenant General Maly Socheata said the Cambodian Liaison Group facilitated the inaugural visit of the mission’s head on May 14 under the Philippines’ chairmanship of ASEAN.

The team is tasked with observing, verifying and reporting on the situation in Choam Ksan district, Preah Vihear province.

Officials noted the temple sustained significant damage during clashes with Thai forces in 2025.

They said the observer mission is designed to reinforce transparency, accountability and mutual trust between the two countries, ensuring the ceasefire is fully implemented.

The Cambodian government reaffirmed its commitment to accords signed with Thailand in October and December 2025, stressing that these agreements are vital to restoring peace, stability and security for border communities.

Border tensions between Cambodia and Thailand have periodically flared around the Preah Vihear temple, a long‑disputed site near the frontier.