Cambodia Hosts ASEAN Observers Amid Thai Drone Accusation

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Sept.15, 2025) — Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence on Monday facilitated a visit by the Interim Observer Team (IOT) to the Boeung Trakoun border checkpoint in Banteay Meanchey province, following recent Thai accusations of drone deployment along the shared border.

Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, spokesperson for the ministry, said the IOT visit was conducted to observe, verify and report on the situation in accordance with the ceasefire arrangement between Cambodia and Thailand.

The visit came just hours after Thai officials accused Cambodia of deploying drones in the border area—claims Cambodian officials have dismissed as baseless.

Yang Peou, secretary-general of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, welcomed the Malaysia-led observer mission, calling it “essential for investigating and uncovering the truth regarding the implementation of the ceasefire.”

“The IOT will reveal the reality on the ground to ASEAN and the international community—specifically, who is violating the agreement,” Peou said.

Lt. Gen. Maly urged the Thai side to honor the principles agreed upon by both countries, including refraining from spreading false or misleading information, reducing tensions, preventing negative public sentiment and fostering a constructive atmosphere for diplomatic dialogue.

“This will contribute to the full and effective implementation of the ceasefire agreement and a return to normalcy,” Maly said.

She reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to the ceasefire agreement reached during the special meeting in Putrajaya on July 28, 2025, and to all subsequent agreements, including minutes from meetings of the General Border Committee (GBC) and Regional Border Committee (RBC) held since the August 7 session in Kuala Lumpur.

The IOT arrived in Cambodia on Sept. 10 and includes representatives from Brunei, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam. The team is led by Brig. Gen. Dato’ Pahlawan Asri bin Shukor, head of mission.

According to the ministry, the deployment reflects ASEAN’s active role—particularly Malaysia’s leadership as current chair—in promoting peace, stability and cooperation between Cambodia and Thailand.

“This mission underscores our shared commitment to ensuring the ceasefire is successful and enduring, with the goal of restoring peace and development for the peoples of both nations,” the ministry said.