Observers deployed to watch Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire

Phnom Penh

Observation teams are being deployed to monitor the ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, Cambodian Defence Ministry spokesperson Lt General Maly Socheata announced on Wednesday.

As the ASEAN chair, Malaysia has sent a high-level delegation led by Chief of Defence Forces General Datuk Haji Mohd Nizam to Cambodia. Two observation teams will oversee the situation—one based in Cambodia and the other in Thailand—each led by Malaysian military attachés, according to Xinhua news agency.

Lt Gen Socheata said the ceasefire, which began at midnight Monday, is being implemented “effectively and peacefully.” She noted that military commanders on both sides held a meeting Tuesday, showing mutual respect and confirming their commitment to earlier agreements.

However, Thailand’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement Wednesday accusing Cambodian forces of violating the ceasefire late Tuesday through small arms fire and grenade attacks. The ministry condemned the incidents and urged Cambodia to immediately stop all violations and return to full compliance.

Thailand reaffirmed its commitment to peace, while also reporting that exchange of fire continued until Tuesday morning in one area. Additional clashes occurred in another location and lasted until 5:30 a.m. local time, according to the Thai Army.

This latest deployment of observers aims to ensure that both countries stick to the ceasefire and avoid further escalation. ASEAN continues to play a central role in mediating peaceful dialogue between the two neighboring countries amid ongoing border tensions.