On the morning of Tuesday, May 26, the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT), led by its Head of Mission under the Philippine chairmanship, visited Boeung Trakuon in Kok Romiet commune, Thmar Puok district, Banteay Meanchey province, to observe, verify and report on the border situation, including compliance with measures in the joint statement following the ceasefire.
Cambodian Defence Ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata said Thai military attacks, barbed wire and shipping containers in the area, which she described as illegally occupied, were preventing many families from returning home. The visit was facilitated by the Cambodian Liaison Group (CLG), led by Lieutenant General Phat Vibolsopheak, Deputy Director-General of the General Department of Policy and Foreign Affairs and Director of the International Relations Department.
The spokeswoman said the visit to what Cambodia describes as its sovereign territory, under illegal Thai military occupation, underscored the urgent need for the Cambodia–Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) to begin land survey and demarcation work under existing agreements, so that Cambodian civilians could return home safely, with dignity and without obstruction.
By: ង៉ែត ពិសាន្ត
