Cambodian army chief protests ASEAN observer team’s alleged border entry

PHNOM PENH, July 2, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia’s military chief has lodged a formal complaint with his Philippine counterpart over the conduct of an ASEAN Observer Team (AOT), alleging that its members entered Cambodian territory without prior notification.

In a letter to General Romeo S. Brawner Jr., Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, General Vong Pisen, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF), raised concerns over an incident on June 26 near Prasat Khnar in Oddar Meanchey Province.

According to the letter, members of the AOT assigned to Thailand, accompanied by Thai military personnel, crossed into what Cambodia considers its sovereign territory and carried out a tree‑planting activity.

Vong Pisen contrasted the incident with Cambodia’s own handling of observer operations, saying his side always provides formal notification before activities are conducted.

The Cambodian military said the location is within its territory and attached a map to support the claim. Thailand has not publicly responded.

Vong Pisen wrote that the reported actions were inconsistent with the neutrality and confidence‑building principles underpinning the AOT mechanism, warning that activities beyond the team’s mandate could undermine trust and efforts to resolve the border dispute.

He urged Brawner to review the incident and ensure strict compliance with the mission’s Terms of Reference.

Despite the complaint, he reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to working with the Philippines and other parties to promote peace, stability and dialogue along the border.