Malaysian army chief visits Cambodia border amid tensions with Thailand

BANTEAY MEANCHEY, July 8, 2026 (KPT) – Malaysia’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Datuk Haji Malek Razak bin Sulaiman, has visited a Cambodian border crossing as part of an official trip that included an inspection of a site at the centre of Cambodia’s territorial dispute with Thailand.

Accompanied by members of the ASEAN Observer Team, Gen. Malek travelled to Boeung Trakuon in Banteay Meanchey Province, where Cambodian officials briefed him on what they described as Thai violations of territorial integrity.

The visit comes amid ongoing tensions between the two neighbours, though Thailand has rejected Cambodia’s claims.

According to the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, Gen. Malek is in Cambodia from July 8 to 11 at the invitation of Commander‑in‑Chief Gen. Vong Pisen.

His programme includes meetings with Defence Minister Gen. Tea Seiha, Senate President Hun Sen and Gen. Vong Pisen. Bilateral talks are expected to focus on strengthening defence cooperation, expanding military ties and enhancing collaboration between the armed forces of both countries.

The RCAF said the visit reflects a shared commitment to deepening longstanding military relations and promoting closer regional dialogue. Malaysia, which chaired ASEAN last year, has played a key role in diplomatic efforts to ease border tensions.

The border inspection would give Malaysian military leaders a firsthand assessment of the situation as ASEAN continues to encourage dialogue between Cambodia and Thailand.