Cambodia’s diplomatic push gathers momentum

The ASEAN Observer Team inspects a barbed wire fence laid by Thai troops in Oddar Meanchey province. AKP

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Synopsis: Phnom Penh is working closely with the Philippines, the 2026 ASEAN chair, to promote border and regional stability while addressing the humanitarian impacts of its recent conflict with Thailand.

Cambodia has stepped up coordinated diplomatic, security and humanitarian efforts at the regional and international levels to safeguard peace, uphold sovereignty and address the humanitarian fallout from the recent Thai military aggression, while working closely with new ASEAN chair the Philippines and engaging the ASEAN Observer Team on the ground.

Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry spokesman Chann Rotana said yesterday that Cambodia’s engagement with the Philippines follows earlier cooperation with Malaysia, which was the ASEAN chair of 2025, during heightened tensions along the Cambodia-Thailand border.

He said Cambodia remains committed to working through ASEAN mechanisms to promote stability and uphold the bloc’s credibility at the international level.

“At the regional level, we will continue to work with the Philippines as the new ASEAN chair and continue to use ASEAN mechanisms to push towards peace and long-term harmony within the ASEAN community,” Rotana said.

As the new ASEAN chair for 2026, the Philippines has expressed readiness to help de-escalate the Cambodia-Thailand border situation, underscoring its support for peace, restraint and constructive dialogue between the two countries. Manila has indicated that it is willing to offer the “good offices of the ASEAN Chair” to serve as a facilitator should Cambodia and Thailand choose to engage through ASEAN mechanisms.

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs has welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Phnom Penh and Bangkok and voiced its support for renewed dialogue aimed at achieving a peaceful and lasting resolution to the dispute.

Rotana added that Cambodia has also intensified diplomatic outreach at the international level, with its permanent missions to the United Nations and other international organisations formally seeking intervention and holding discussions with senior officials from key institutions.

These include the UN Secretary-General, members of the UN Security Council, UNESCO, the International Committee of the Red Cross, senior human rights officials and the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing.

According to the spokesman, the efforts underscore Cambodia’s commitment to pursuing a diplomatic solution to regional tensions and mobilising international support through peaceful means.

Rotana said the ministry, along with Cambodia’s diplomatic missions abroad, continues to conduct active and sustained diplomacy to address major challenges facing the country and to safeguard its national interests.

The Ministry of National Defence has reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire agreement with Thailand, highlighting continued cooperation with ASEAN observers and adherence to international law following recent border tensions.

Cambodia has consistently respected the ceasefire, the October 26 Joint Declaration for peace as well as the December 27 Joint Statement of the third Special Meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC).

Cambodia has provided full cooperation and support to the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT), underlining the importance of strengthening the team’s role and mandate. The ministry emphasised that the presence of the AOT is essential to verify and ensure the effective implementation of the ceasefire, while also promoting transparency, accountability and mutual trust between the two sides.

In the first week of January, the Cambodian Liaison Group (CLG) of the Ministry of National Defence worked with the AOT to observe, verify and report on the situation in six locations in Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces. These locations included civilian areas and public infrastructure that sustained serious damage during Thai military attacks.

The AOT conducted site visits at O’Chik Bridge on January 4; the Choam International Point of Entry on January 5; Prey Chan and Chork Chey villages in Banteay Meanchey on January 6; and the O’Smach International Point of Entry area on January 8. Further observations were carried out on January 10 at the Boeung Trakuon Point of Entry and the Wat Kandol displacement camp in Thmar Puok district.

On January 13, the AOT visited civilian villages in Sra Em commune, Choam Ksan district, Preah Vihear province, including areas surrounding the Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Defence Ministry reiterated that Cambodia, as a law-abiding and responsible state, remains firmly committed to resolving disputes through peaceful means in accordance with international law, the United Nations Charter and the ASEAN Charter. Cambodia strongly rejects the threat or use of force and seeks a fair, impartial and lasting solution to ensure peaceful coexistence, stability and development for the peoples of both countries.

The ministry stated that this information is being shared to keep the public and national and international media accurately informed of developments.

In Oddar Meanchey province yesterday, Deputy Provincial Governor Met Measpheakdey led a provincial team and the AOT to inspect areas in Anlong Veng district affected by recent Thai military attacks.

The visit aimed to evaluate the impact of the attacks and document the damage to local residents. The group included the Deputy Commander of the Royal Cambodian Army’s Military Region 4, Major General Chea Sopheak, Anlong Veng District Governor Nguon Thyrith, and representatives of various organisations.

During the inspection, the team visited the Choam International Border Checkpoint area, public and private sites, and the homes of civilians directly affected by the conflict.

Measpheakdey urged the ASEAN observers to accurately portray the realities on the ground, including the hardships faced by communities living along the border in Oddar Meanchey.

He said the objective of the inspection was to uncover the truth and restore justice for those affected by the attacks.

The Ministry of Interior yesterday reported continued humanitarian and administrative impacts in seven provinces following cross-border hostilities, despite the ceasefire agreement coming into effect.

In a situation update for the period January 13 to 14, the ministry stated that aggressive actions of the Thai side had affected Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Pursat, Koh Kong and Siem Reap provinces, resulting in widespread displacement, infrastructure damage and disruption of public services.

According to the report, 5,101 more displaced persons returned to their homes. Of the more than 640,000 people displaced since the conflict escalated, nearly 500,000 have gone home. However, 150,146 people remain in displacement camps, including 78,012 women and 49,119 children. The ministry noted that some families who returned to their villages were forced to move again because their homes had been destroyed or the presence of unexploded ordnance left behind by Thai military forces.

Public services have gradually resumed in several affected provinces, although closures remain in some areas. In Oddar Meanchey province, most schools, health facilities, administrative offices and police stations have reopened, while 40 schools, seven health centres, one commune office and one police station remain temporarily closed. In Banteay Meanchey, five schools and one health facility remain closed, while all other public service institutions have resumed operations. In Preah Vihear province, 29 schools and 14 health centres are still closed, although some schools, health facilities and local administrative offices have reopened.

No new reports of infrastructure damage were recorded during the period. However, cumulative damage since December 7 remains extensive. Private property losses include hundreds of houses, commercial buildings, hotels, petrol stations, vehicles, warehouses, telecommunications towers, water facilities and agricultural structures. Damage to public property includes schools, hospitals, government buildings, pagodas, ancient temples, bridges, roads, electricity infrastructure and markets. Local authorities continue to assess and document the impacts.

Efforts to rehabilitate affected villages and facilitate returns are ongoing. In Preah Vihear, damage assessments and assistance continue for families unable to return home. In Oddar Meanchey, 84 villages remain inaccessible, while preparations are underway in 172 villages to allow residents to return. In Banteay Meanchey, temporary shelters are being arranged for more than 2,700 families. Authorities in Battambang and Pursat provinces continue to provide assistance, monitor returnees and conduct inspections. Nationwide, officials are also intensifying public awareness campaigns on the dangers posed by unexploded ordnance.

The Ministry of Interior said it is closely monitoring the frontline situation with the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces while implementing measures to restore livelihoods, ease financial burdens, maintain public services, and support agriculture.

-Khmer Times-