National
• 2 hours ago• Lim_Rothanaksambath
Cambodia Urges Thailand to Begin JBC Border Demarcation as ASEAN Observers Inspect Refugee Village
PHNOM PENH, Sept. 17, 2026: Cambodia has welcomed the role of the Philippines as ASEAN Chair and the ASEAN Observer Team–Cambodia (AOT-KH) in monitoring and verifying conditions along the Cambodia-Thailand border, reiterating the urgent need to begin joint border demarcation through the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) so that more than 10,000 displaced civilians can return home safely and with dignity.
According to a press release from the spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defence issued Sept. 17, 2026, Cambodia's Coordinating Liaison Group (CLG) facilitated a visit by Major General ANTERO S. NARCISE PN (M), Deputy Inspector General of the Philippine Army, and the AOT-KH to inspect conditions along the border and at the refugee camp in Rum Chek village, Banteay Meanchey province, at 4:22 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026.
The Ministry reported that 3,318 Cambodian families, equivalent to 13,259 people, remain in the Rum Chek refugee camp and have not yet been able to return to their original homes.
The main obstacle preventing their return is that their homes and infrastructure were severely destroyed by airstrikes, heavy weapons fire and the illegal occupation of positions by Thai military forces. The direct inspection by the Philippine delegation head and the AOT-KH gave ASEAN representatives the opportunity to witness firsthand the serious humanitarian impact on ordinary Cambodian civilians.
Photo: Ministry of National Defence
The Ministry said the verification visit underscored the indispensable need to resolve border issues through official channels. Cambodia called on the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) to begin its demarcation and boundary measurement mission as soon as possible, in line with existing agreements.
The effort follows Point 4 of the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special Meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) on Dec. 27, 2025, which provides for civilians in affected border areas to return to their homes and livelihoods without obstruction, in safety and with dignity.
The active inspection and verification by the ASEAN Observer Team, facilitated by Cambodia, reflects the Royal Government's sincerity and strong commitment to resolving border disputes peacefully, in accordance with international law and existing bilateral agreements, aimed at restoring peace and calm for people along both countries' borders.
Reported by The Khmer Daily Network
According to a press release from the spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defence issued Sept. 17, 2026, Cambodia's Coordinating Liaison Group (CLG) facilitated a visit by Major General ANTERO S. NARCISE PN (M), Deputy Inspector General of the Philippine Army, and the AOT-KH to inspect conditions along the border and at the refugee camp in Rum Chek village, Banteay Meanchey province, at 4:22 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026.
The Ministry reported that 3,318 Cambodian families, equivalent to 13,259 people, remain in the Rum Chek refugee camp and have not yet been able to return to their original homes.
The main obstacle preventing their return is that their homes and infrastructure were severely destroyed by airstrikes, heavy weapons fire and the illegal occupation of positions by Thai military forces. The direct inspection by the Philippine delegation head and the AOT-KH gave ASEAN representatives the opportunity to witness firsthand the serious humanitarian impact on ordinary Cambodian civilians.
Photo: Ministry of National DefenceThe Ministry said the verification visit underscored the indispensable need to resolve border issues through official channels. Cambodia called on the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) to begin its demarcation and boundary measurement mission as soon as possible, in line with existing agreements.
The effort follows Point 4 of the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special Meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) on Dec. 27, 2025, which provides for civilians in affected border areas to return to their homes and livelihoods without obstruction, in safety and with dignity.
The active inspection and verification by the ASEAN Observer Team, facilitated by Cambodia, reflects the Royal Government's sincerity and strong commitment to resolving border disputes peacefully, in accordance with international law and existing bilateral agreements, aimed at restoring peace and calm for people along both countries' borders.
Reported by The Khmer Daily Network
