Peace in Beijing, Trenches at the Border: ASEAN Observers Expose Thai Violations

PHNOM PENH, November 6, 2026 – ASEAN Observers have witnessed fresh Thai ceasefire violations on Cambodian soil this week—exposing a widening gap between Bangkok's words on the international stage and its actions on the ground.

The findings come just as Thailand's Foreign Minister joined this week's Mekong-Lancang Cooperation meeting in Beijing, where ministers reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace and stability.

On Thursday at 9:20 a.m., the Cambodian Liaison Group facilitated the Observer Team at CH1 Checkpoint in Thma Da Commune, Veal Veng District, Pursat Province—where they saw Thai troops had moved their observation post and continued digging trenches forward, approximately 20 metres from their previous position.

Earlier that morning, observers visited Stung Metuk Bridge, also in Thma Da Commune—a crossing completely destroyed by a Royal Thai Air Force aerial attack on December 13, 2025. The Ministry stressed the bridge is exclusively civilian infrastructure, and sits several dozen kilometres from the border.

The pattern is not new. On Tuesday, observers witnessed Thai forces deploying two tanks roughly 250 metres from their observation point in Chok Chey Village, Banteay Meanchey Province. Since the ceasefire took effect on December 27, 2025, Thai troops have continued deploying shipping containers, installing barbed wire, digging trenches, constructing bunkers, and destroying civilian homes and property—while maintaining their unlawful occupation of Cambodian territory.

The humanitarian cost keeps mounting. In Chok Chey Village, 3,951 Cambodians from 1,045 families—including 1,155 children—remain unable to return home. At Boeung Trakuon, 7,873 civilians from 1,869 families—including 1,847 children—remain displaced.

Cambodia stated plainly that it does not recognise any border alteration resulting from the use of force, and called on Thailand to adhere strictly and in good faith to the December 2025 Joint Statement and the October 2025 Joint Declaration—urging that the Observer Team's mandate be strengthened so that Bangkok can no longer speak of peace at regional forums while undermining it at home.

Reported by The Khmer Today