AKP Phnom Penh, February 23, 2026 -- Japan has reaffirmed its support for the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) following a field visit to affected areas in Cambodia on the afternoon of Feb. 23.

According to Mr. Matsuda Junsaku, Counsellor at the Embassy of Japan in Cambodia, the field visit was useful for all participating countries, including Japan, and provided an opportunity to observe the situation on the ground. He noted that people in the area are still suffering and that the Cambodian government is making efforts to assist displaced people by arranging food and sanitary systems.

He added that Japan has already been providing assistance to the Cambodian people and that observations from the visit will be reported back to the Japanese Embassy and discussed with Tokyo to consider what additional support Japan can provide.

Mr. Matsuda Junsaku said Japan has decided to support the AOT and has already held discussions with Malaysia, the former ASEAN Chair. With the Philippines serving as the current ASEAN Chair, Japan intends to continue discussions with the Philippines and other ASEAN member states on how it can further support the AOT, which it believes plays a crucial role in resolving the situation.

In addition, he affirmed, Japan will continue discussions with Cambodia and Thailand aimed at de-escalating tensions.

The Japanese Counsellor also stated that Japan will continue to provide assistance to people in Cambodia through official development assistance and humanitarian aid, in collaboration with the international community. 

A delegation of foreign diplomats and representatives of international agencies accredited to Cambodia, led by H.E. Mrs. Eat Sophea, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, is conducting a two-day (Feb. 23-24) field visit to Banteay Meanchey and Siem Reap provinces to assess the situation of displaced civilians and inspect violations by Thai forces within Cambodia’s sovereign territory.

Cambodian authorities have reported Thai military’s ongoing actions on the ground that they say create new faits accomplis, including the installation of barbed wire, placement of containers, and damage to civilian homes. 

The Royal Government of Cambodia has lodged repeated formal protests through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, stating it does not recognise any alteration of border lines or illegal territorial occupation through the use of force under international law.

By C. Nika