ASEAN observers visit disputed Pursat border area
The reported barriers have kept Cambodian families from returning to their homes.
Friday 6 November · 06:02 · 1 min read
In 30 seconds
- On November 5, an ASEAN Observer Team visited the Chey Chomneas checkpoint area in Thmar Da commune, Pursat province. (Source 1, 2) [1][2]
- Cambodia’s Defence Ministry spokesperson said barbed wire and 52 containers were placed in Cambodian territory, preventing some families from returning home. (Source 1, 2) [1][2]
- Cambodia called for the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Boundary Commission to begin demarcation work promptly. (Source 1, 2) [1][2]
What happened
The ASEAN Observer Team in Cambodia visited the Chey Chomneas checkpoint area on November 5 to observe and report on the border situation. Cambodia’s Defence Ministry spokesperson said Thai forces had placed barbed wire and 52 containers there, built two flagpoles, continued roadwork, improved bunkers and deepened trenches. The spokesperson said these conditions were preventing many Cambodian families from returning home.
Why it matters
Cambodia says families cannot yet return safely to their homes in the area. It is urging the two countries’ boundary commission to start demarcation work.
Background
Cambodia said the proposed demarcation should follow existing agreements, including a December 27, 2025 joint statement. It also reaffirmed its position that the international boundary should follow inherited agreements and documents, and that it does not accept changes made by force.
Key terms
- ASEAN Observer Team
- A team tasked with observing, verifying and reporting on the border situation.
- Boundary demarcation
- The process of marking or agreeing on the position of a border.
Timeline
- December 27, 2025 A joint statement from a Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee meeting set out agreements Cambodia cited in calling for demarcation.
- November 5, 2026 The ASEAN Observer Team visited the Chey Chomneas checkpoint area in Pursat province.
Sources (2)
[1] Agence Kampuchea Presse (AKP) Cambodia Calls for Urgent Border Demarcation to Allow Displaced Civilians to Return Home Read original [2] Kohsantepheap Daily ក្រុមអ្នកសង្កេតការណ៍អាស៊ាន ចុះពិនិត្យទីតាំង រាយបន្លាលួស និងដាក់ពង្រាយទូកុងតឺន័រ ៥២គ្រឿង និងការកាន់កាប់ទឹកដីកម្ពុជាដោយខុសច្បាប់របស់យោធាថៃ 5 Nov Read originalWas this explainer clear?
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