Diplomatic corps journey to the border as Philippines leads ASEAN push for peace
Acting Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Eat Sophea (front row, 2-R) and Banteay Meanchey Governor Oum Reatrey (front row, 3-R) lead foreign diplomats and representatives of international agencies on a visit to Banteay Meanchey to see for themselves the humanitarian crisis unfolding at the border. KT/Khem Sovannara
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Synopsis: Diplomats from 23 countries and UN agencies visit displacement camps and contested border areas in Banteay Meanchey while the new ASEAN Chair steps up efforts to sustain the Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire.
Banteay Meanchey province – Diplomats from 23 countries and UN agencies yesterday witnessed first-hand the humanitarian impact of the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict, while the Philippines, in its role as ASEAN Chair, intensified regional diplomatic efforts to keep the ceasefire, support the civilians and advance a peaceful resolution to the dispute.
Led by acting Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Eat Sophea, the delegation of diplomats visited displaced civilians and areas under illegal Thai military occupation in Banteay Meanchey province.
The delegation stopped at Chansy Samakki Ratanaram Pagoda in O’Chrov district before proceeding to Chouk Chey and Prey Chan villages—which are partially occupied by the Thai military—and the Boeng Trakuon area, where four more Cambodian villages have been under Thai military occupation since December.
The visitors observed the shelters at Kandorl Pagoda, where displaced civilians from the Boeng Trakuon area are staying, before moving on to the mural painting event, Art for Peace, in Siem Reap city, Siem Reap province.
Philippine Ambassador to Cambodia Flerida Ann Camille Mayo was among the diplomats in the group. In an interview with Khmer Times, she highlighted the Philippines’ role as ASEAN Chair in supporting stability and peace.
“Now, the Philippines has commenced consultations with both countries with a view to enhancing the capability of the ASEAN Observer Team to help maintain the ceasefire,” Ambassador Mayo said. “In the process, allow the time and space for bilateral mechanisms to obtain for both countries, our ASEAN neighbours, a durable peace.”
The Philippines took over the 2026 ASEAN Chair at a time when renewed tensions along the Cambodia-Thailand border tested ASEAN’s credibility as a regional peace mechanism.
The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, General Romeo Brawner Jr, was in Cambodia to review preparations for leading the AOT.
The February 11 to 14 trip saw Gen Brawner visiting the Cambodian Liaison Group (CLG) TS-2 in Serey Sophon City, the Boeng Trakuon Border Checkpoint in Thmar Puok district, Banteay Meanchey province, and displacement camps.
Ambassador Mayo yesterday said that Gen Brawner’s visit to the border region was part of efforts to gather input from both sides and strengthen the terms of reference for the AOT.
“As far as good offices are concerned, the chair will make available good offices upon request by either side. And of course, as one ASEAN family, we hope for a peaceful resolution of the issues, the border issues,” she said.
During his visit, Gen Brawner also met Prime Minister Hun Manet, who briefed him on recent developments along the Cambodia-Thailand border and reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to resolving border issues peacefully, based on bilateral agreements, conventions, treaties and international law.
Mr Hun Manet expressed appreciation for the AOT, voicing confidence that under the Philippines’ leadership, the AOT would continue contributing to a peaceful resolution of the border issue.
Gen Brawner said the Philippines has been closely monitoring the situation and stands ready to continue leading the AOT in ensuring a neutral and constructive approach to resolving the dispute, with the aim of promoting lasting peace and stability for both countries and the wider region.
He also held meetings with National Defence Minister General Tea Seiha and General Vong Pisen, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces.
In his meeting with Gen Pisen, Gen Brawner noted that the AOT plays a crucial and responsible role. He said certain structural aspects of the team may need to be reviewed and adjusted, adding that the Philippines would undertake this task carefully and with strict neutrality.
Meanwhile, Matsuda Junsaku, Counsellor of the Japanese Embassy to Cambodia, who joined the border trip yesterday, praised the Cambodian government’s support for displaced residents and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to humanitarian aid and the AOT.
“Japan has decided to support the AOT team. We already discussed with Malaysia, which was ASEAN chair last year. This year, ASEAN chair is the Philippines. So Japan would like to continue to discuss with the Philippines and other ASEAN members what we can do for the AOT, because we believe that AOT has a crucial role for the resolution of the situation,” Matsuda said.
“Of course, we will continue to provide assistance to people in Cambodia through ODA (Official Development Assistance) and humanitarian assistance as well, collaborating with the international community. And also for the de-escalation of tensions, we keep talking with Cambodia and Thailand for further realising the de-escalation of tensions,” he added.
Japanese Ambassador to Cambodia Ueno Atsushi also highlighted the Japanese government’s position on the border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand.
He noted that the government of Japan welcomed the second ceasefire agreement and the safe return of the 18 Cambodian soldiers before the end of last year.
The ambassador added that Japan would continue undertaking various initiatives to support further de-escalation of tensions and provide a wide range of assistance.
During the visit, Sophea briefed the diplomats on Cambodia’s efforts to seek a peaceful resolution with Thailand over the border conflict while maintaining its sovereignty.
According to Provincial Governor Oum Reatrey, as of yesterday, more than 10,000 people remain at the camps after their homes were destroyed or occupied by the Thai military.
An additional 360 families are staying with relatives, unable to return to their homes. Among the displaced at the safety centres, more than 6,000 are women and about 3,500 are children.
The main shelters are the K’chas Pagoda in Bosbov commune, Preah Neth Preah district; Kandol Pagoda and surrounding areas in Kok Romeat commune, Thmar Puok district; Chan Si Pagoda in Koub commune, O’Chrov district; and parts of Svay Chek district.
The administration said authorities are coordinating with local and national agencies to monitor conditions, provide humanitarian support, and facilitate safe returns where possible.
According to the governor, Thai troops continued to advance into Cambodian land and civilian homes, installing barbed-wire and shipping-container fences to consolidate their positions.
Speaking to the diplomats and representatives of two UN agencies who inspected the barbed-wire enclosures and container installations in the three locations, Reatrey detailed the scale of the alleged encroachment.
He said that in Chouk Chey village, Thai forces installed containers at four locations, totalling 16 containers and occupying nearly 400 hectares of land.
In Prey Chan village, 63 containers were reportedly placed on 42 hectares of land.
In the Boeng Trakuon area—which includes four villages—Thai troops are allegedly occupying about 584 hectares of land.
According to the Ministry of Interior, while armed clashes have ceased, Cambodia has noted ongoing “dishonest activities” by Thai forces, including the deployment of containers and barbed wire to occupy areas of Cambodian territory beyond the recognised border.
Prime Minister Hun Manet highlighted these issues during his visit to the United States, emphasising Cambodia’s commitment to peace and the protection of its sovereignty.
The ministry reiterated Cambodia’s strong protest against Thai naval incursions into Cambodian waters, which included the arrest of three Cambodian citizens and the seizure of their fishing boat.
The government has demanded the immediate release of the individuals and vessel, and a cessation of unauthorised Thai patrols and law enforcement within Cambodia’s territory.
The ministry also praised the positive outcomes of Prime Minister Hun Manet’s participation in the inaugural Board of Peace meeting in Washington, DC, chaired by US President Donald Trump.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed that peace remains Cambodia’s core value and called for the full implementation of existing agreements with Thailand, the peaceful settlement of disputes under international law, and the safe return of civilians to their homes and livelihoods.
-Khmer Times-
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