Thai Military Barriers Block 366 Civilians from Returning Home, ASEAN Observers Witness

PHNOM PENH, August 27, 2026 – A field visit by the ASEAN Observer Team in Cambodia (AOT-KH) has confirmed that 366 Cambodian civilians remain displaced due to Thai military occupation and infrastructure construction in Oddar Meanchey province, according to the Ministry of National Defence.

The inspection, led by the AOT Head of Mission from the Philippines and coordinated by the Cambodian Liaison Group on August 27, focused on the O’ Smach International Point of Entry, specifically the O’ Kla Khmom area. The team documented the illegal deployment of shipping containers, barbed wire, trenches, embankments, and road construction by Thai forces, which have effectively blocked 98 families—including 190 women and 101 children—from returning to their homes.

The Ministry of National Defence stressed that the AOT's findings highlight the urgent need for the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) to resume demarcation work without further delay, in accordance with the December 27, 2025 Joint Statement. The agreement calls for civilians to return to their homes safely, peacefully, and with dignity, free from obstruction.

Cambodia reiterated its firm position on the inviolability of its internationally recognized border, based on the Franco-Siamese Conventions, boundary protocols, maps, MOU 2000, and TOR 2003. The ministry made clear that Cambodia does not accept any border changes resulting from force or unilateral actions, and will continue to formally protest against Thailand's illegal occupation and territorial violations.

— Source: Ministry of National Defence

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Reported by The Khmer Today