AKP Phnom Penh, August 15, 2025 -- 

The Interim Observer Team (IOT), led by Col. Nazlee Bin Abdul Rahim, Defence Attaché of Malaysia to Cambodia, successfully concluded on Aug. 15 its on-site mission to observe the security situation along the Cambodia–Thailand border, according to H.E. Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, Spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defence.

Over the course of two days, the IOT—joined by resident and non-resident defence attachés from Brunei, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Vietnam—visited Military Region 5 in Battambang province. The delegation inspected Poipet International Border Checkpoint, O’ Bei Choan Border Checkpoint (Chork Chey village), and Boeung Trakuon Border Checkpoint in Banteay Meanchey province, as well as Anseh Border Checkpoint in Preah Vihear province.

They also assessed potential sites in Banteay Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces for the future headquarters of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT).

This is the second round field inspection tour aims to oversee actual development in the area affected by the five-day armed clashes between Cambodian and Thai militaries. The first round was conducted on July 31, 2025, with foreign military attachés from major powers and ASEAN member state countries, totaling 13 nations.

Regarding the border situation, the Spokesperson confirmed that the frontlines in Military Regions 4 and 5—covering Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, and Banteay Meanchey provinces—remained calm and stable from midnight until 3:00 p.m. today.

H.E. Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata renewed Cambodia’s call for the immediate return of the 18 soldiers who were unlawfully detained after the ceasefire, so they may reunite with their families, who have been anxiously awaiting their return.

The Ministry of National Defence reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the ceasefire agreement and remains dedicated to international law, peaceful dispute resolution, and the defence of Cambodia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

By Heng Panha