(Phnom Penh): Pen Bona, Spokesperson for the Royal Government of Cambodia, emphasized that Cambodia has rigorously and genuinely adhered to the ceasefire since its implementation at 12:00 noon on 27 December 2025. Cambodia has extended comprehensive support and maintained close collaboration with the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) to ensure complete transparency through the verification and assessment of the consequences resulting from armed incursions by the Thai military, which constitute a violation of Cambodia’s sovereignty.
In this regard, on the morning of 21 January 2026, the Coordinating Group (CLG) of the Kingdom of Cambodia facilitated the AOT in undertaking observation, verification, and reporting concerning the border situation in Sampov Loun District and Phnom Prich District of Battambang Province throughout the ceasefire period. The AOT further inspected civilian locations and essential civilian infrastructure, including residential homes and referral hospitals, which sustained severe damage attributable to Thai military attacks in December 2025.
The AOT, coordinated by the Cambodian CLG, has been continuously conducting observation, verification, and reporting on conditions at various locations along the border provinces since early January 2026, including:
Pursat Province: Locations inspected included the O’Pluk Damrei area, the Chhay Chumneah checkpoint, and the Hun Sen Thmor Da Health Center.
Oddar Meanchey Province: The mission encompassed the O’Chik Bridge, the Chong Chom International Border Gate area, and the O’Smach International Border Gate area.
Banteay Meanchey Province: Activities involved the Prey Chan Village and Chok Chai Village areas, the Beng Trakuon checkpoint area, as well as outreach and humanitarian assistance provided to internally displaced persons residing at the Kandal Pagoda displacement camp in Thma Puok District.
Preah Vihear Province: Inspections were conducted in residential areas within Sra Em Commune, Choam Khsant District, and the Preah Vihear Temple area, a designated World Heritage site recognized for its outstanding universal value to humanity.
Given that Cambodia is a peace-loving nation dedicated to the peaceful, just, and lawful resolution of disputes in line with international law, it fully endorses the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT). Cambodia underscores the critical necessity of reinforcing the AOT's role and mandate. This reinforcement is essential to effectively verify and ensure the implementation of the ceasefire and the complete adherence to the principles outlined in the Joint Statement of 27 December 2025, thereby fostering enhanced transparency, accountability, and mutual trust.
Cambodia’s endorsement and prioritization of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) align with Point 12 (Part II) of the Joint Statement of 27 December 2025, which stipulates mutual recognition of the AOT's crucial function and an agreement to reinforce its mandate in verifying and assuring the efficacious execution of all stipulated measures within the Joint Statement, through consultations with the ASEAN Chair and the ASEAN Observer Team. This unequivocally demonstrates Cambodia’s sincere commitment to upholding the ceasefire and achieving a good-faith, transparent, and equitable resolution of border disputes with Thailand, with the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) serving as the designated verification mechanism.
The Royal Government of Cambodia unequivocally reiterates its firm and explicit commitment to fully and strictly uphold and implement, with the highest degree of responsibility, the Joint Statement of the Third Special Meeting of the Cambodia–Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) of 27 December 2025; the Joint Statement on the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement between Cambodia and Thailand dated 26 October 2025; and other pertinent agreements designed to restore normalcy, peace, and enduring stability along the border, and ensure the pacific resolution of border issues in accordance with international law.
The Government Spokesperson underscored that Cambodia maintains an unwavering stance regarding the defense of the Cambodia–Thailand international border, established through inheritance from the Indochina–Siam Boundary Commission. This position is upheld in full adherence to international law, specifically the principle of the inviolability of borders (Uti Possidetis Juris), the Franco–Siamese conventions and treaties, maps, and boundary demarcation records produced by the Indochina–Siam Boundary Commission, alongside other mutually agreed-upon agreements and pertinent documents from the past. Cambodia does not acknowledge any border alteration resulting from the use of force.
=FRESH NEWS
