An interim ASEAN observer mission has arrived in Cambodia to monitor the situation along the border with Thailand following a ceasefire.
The Interim Observer Team, led by Rear Admiral Dato’ Pahlawan Asri bin Shukor, departed Phnom Penh on September 11 for Preah Vihear and Banteay Meanchey provinces to verify and report on conditions at the frontier. The team, which includes members from Indonesia and the Philippines, had arrived in Cambodia a day earlier.
Cambodia’s defence ministry said the deployment reflects ASEAN’s active involvement, particularly Malaysia’s leadership, in seeking a peaceful resolution to the dispute. Officials described the presence of the observers as evidence of a joint commitment to making the ceasefire durable and restoring peace, stability, and cooperation for people on both sides of the border.
At a press conference in Koh Kong after a General Border Committee meeting, Defence Minister Tea Seiha confirmed that Cambodia and Thailand had agreed to adjust military equipment and hardware along the frontier under ASEAN supervision.
Tea Seiha said the two countries had also agreed in principle on terms of reference to create a permanent ASEAN Observer Team, pending approval from both governments. Until then, he noted, the interim team would continue to play a crucial role in ensuring the ceasefire is respected.
Japan has also voiced concern. On August 22, its embassy in Phnom Penh urged both governments to implement the ceasefire agreement fully, stressing that stable relations between Cambodia and Thailand are essential for regional peace and development.
