ASEAN Observers Suspend Mission in Pursat After Border Explosions

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Nov. 19, 2025) — The ASEAN Observers Team (AOT) suspended its verification mission in Pursat province after weapon explosions were heard across the Thai border, Cambodian officials said.

The incident occurred at 11:08 a.m. during an inspection of ceasefire implementation at Checkpoint CH1 in Thmorda commune, Veal Veng district. The mission, coordinated by Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense, was halted immediately for safety reasons.

Defense Minister Tea Seiha said the team withdrew to ensure the observers’ safety. No casualties were reported, and authorities are monitoring the situation.

Speaking at the 33rd National Assembly of Monastic Officials, Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen said such incidents had occurred “every night,” accusing Thai forces of attempting to provoke armed confrontation despite a ceasefire agreement.

He said Cambodian troops had been instructed not to respond, stressing the government’s priority was to prevent civilian casualties.

Foreign Ministry permanent secretary of state Eat Sophea said Cambodia lodged a formal protest over what it called an “unprovoked” shooting by Thai troops in Prey Chan village, Banteay Meanchey province. The ministry said one Cambodian civilian was killed and three others injured.

Sophea said the use of force violated Cambodia’s sovereignty, international humanitarian law and principles of the U.N. and ASEAN charters. She added the incident disrupted border demarcation work agreed at a Cambodia–Thailand Joint Boundary Commission meeting in late October.

Cambodia has called for a full investigation with ASEAN observers and urged support from international partners.