Cambodia Protests Unauthorised Entry by Thai-Escorted ASEAN Observers at Khnar Temple

Cambodia Protests Unauthorised Entry by Thai-Escorted ASEAN Observers at Khnar Temple

PHNOM PENH, July 2, 2026 – Cambodia's top military commander has formally protested the unauthorised entry of Thai-accompanied ASEAN observers into Cambodian territory near Khnar Temple, urging the Philippine-led observer team to uphold its neutrality and terms of reference.

In a formal letter, H.E. Gen. Vong Pisen, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, raised serious concerns with H.E. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr., Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Chair of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT), over an incident on June 26 in which members of the AOT assigned to Thailand, accompanied by Thai military personnel, crossed into Cambodian sovereign territory near Khnar Temple in Oddar Meanchey province without prior notification or coordination with Cambodian authorities.

According to the complaint, the group entered the area without permission and proceeded to plant trees—an activity Cambodia considers outside the agreed scope of the AOT's mandate.

The RCAF stressed that the location falls within Cambodia's sovereignty, as clearly indicated on official maps. Despite Cambodia's repeated clarification of the border line, the Thai-accompanied observers continued their activities without seeking approval from the Cambodian side.

The Cambodian military described the actions as contrary to the principles of neutrality, confidence-building, and mutual respect that form the foundation of the AOT mechanism. It warned that such overstepping of the agreed mandate, especially in sensitive border areas, risks eroding trust and undermining efforts toward a peaceful and lasting resolution of border issues.

Gen. Vong Pisen called on the AOT Chair to review the incident and ensure all AOT officers strictly comply with the agreed Terms of Reference and maintain the neutrality expected of their mission. He stressed that strict compliance with these principles is essential for preserving mutual trust and ensuring that the AOT continues to serve its intended role as a mechanism for de-escalation and confidence-building.

He reaffirmed Cambodia's commitment to working closely with the Philippine military and all relevant parties to preserve peace, stability, and constructive dialogue along the Cambodia-Thailand border, while expressing appreciation for the Philippine military's leadership in overseeing the AOT mechanism.

— Source: Ministry of Information

https://www.information.gov.kh/articles/197136

Reported by The Khmer Today