Temporary monitoring teams, comprising defence attachés from Asean countries, will be deployed along both sides of the Cambodia-Thailand border to monitor the ceasefire agreed on July 28, pending a full observer mission.
According to the agreed minutes of the extraordinary general border committee (GBC) meeting here today, each interim observer team (IOT) will be invited independently by the host country, in consultation with Malaysia.
“The IOT will operate without crossing the border and will work in close coordination and consultation with the regional border committee and GBC of each country,” the minutes stated.
The temporary arrangement serves as a stopgap measure while the Malaysia-led full observer mission, announced at a special meeting in Putrajaya on July 28, is finalised.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to a full ceasefire, effective from midnight on July 28, covering all areas and types of weapons along the shared border.
Other key agreements include a freeze on new troop movements or reinforcements, the timely return of the remains of deceased personnel, and no dissemination of fake news or false information.
The minutes stressed the importance of swift engagement to avoid escalation in case of renewed tensions.
“In the event of an armed conflict, whether intentional or unintentional, both sides must promptly consult at the local level through existing bilateral mechanisms to prevent the situation from escalating along the entire border.
“Prolonged conflict would endanger the safety of civilians and soldiers on both sides and heighten tensions, thereby complicating efforts for a joint resolution,” it said.
Both sides agreed to convene another GBC meeting within a month to review progress or sooner if needed.
The meeting was co-chaired by Cambodian deputy prime minister and defence minister Tea Seiha and Thai deputy defence minister General Nattaphon Nakphanit.
Malaysia, the US and China attended as observers.
Last month, Cambodia and Thailand saw their worst border clashes in over a decade, with artillery and airstrikes killing at least 43 people and displacing over 300,000. The fighting continued despite calls for restraint from China and Asean chair Malaysia.
Speaking at separate press conferences, Nattaphon said Thailand is committed to honest dialogue, as good neighbours should, and hopes Cambodia will reciprocate.
Tea, meanwhile, expressed hope that Thailand would promptly release and return the 18 Cambodian soldiers currently in custody.
US ambassador Edgard D Kagan said Washington would be watching closely to ensure both countries honour the ceasefire and reiterated US support for Asean’s role in the process.
Home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the discussions reflected a shared understanding that a ceasefire is “not merely a pause, but a promise to protect lives and uphold dignity”.
“That promise must be honoured with firm commitment, active monitoring and sincere political will,” he said.
