The ASEAN Observer Team in Cambodia (AOT-KH) travelled to Preah Vihear province on August 11 to examine the ruins of 114 civilian homes in Morakot commune’s Techo Morakot village, Choam Ksant district. The delegation, led by the Philippines in its capacity as acting chair of the bloc, inspected an area that consisted exclusively of civilian residences, according to Maly Socheata, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defence.
“The residences that were destroyed were the homes of innocent civilians whose peaceful lives were shattered when the Thai military attacked the area using bombs dropped from F-16 fighter jets and heavy artillery shelling in December of 2025,” she said.
The official added that the attacks caused severe damage to homes, property and civilian infrastructure, forcing 511 civilians, including 268 women, to leave their homes. So far, none of the affected residents have been able to return safely or resume their everyday lives and small businesses, she noted.
Alongside the damaged houses, the observer team also visited the sites of a health centre and a school that were destroyed by the Thai military.
Cambodia said it has consistently supported the AOT members and continues to stress the importance of their role in ensuring the full and effective implementation of the current ceasefire. However, the ministry added that little information has been shared about Thai efforts to support reporting by their AOT counterparts across the border.
Source: Phnom Penh Post
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