Defence Spokesperson: International Observer Team Continues to Inspect Preah Vihear Following Ceasefire Agreement

(Phnom Penh): Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, Spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defence, said that the Interim Observer Team (IOT), comprising representatives from five countries and led by Colonel Nazlee Bin Abdul Rahim, Malaysian Defence Attaché to Cambodia, has visited Preah Vihear province and inspected the surrounding areas around the temple in order to observe, verify and report on the update situation after the Ceasefire Agreement.

Maly Socheata spoke on Thursday (Aug. 21) during a press conference.

"As of today (Aug. 21), the team remains on the ground fulfilling the mission of observing, verifying, and reporting on the situation of the border areas after the ceasefire agreement took effect. It should be noted that the above mentioned IOT mission stems from the outcomes of the special meeting held on 28 July, 2025, in Putrajaya, Malaysia, and the extraordinary meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) which concluded on 7 August 2025," the spokesperson underscored.

The IOT comprising defence attachés of ASEAN member states accredited to Thailand or Cambodia and led by the defence attaché of Malaysia, will be established separately and independently in each country. Cambodia and Thailand will observe on each side the implementation of the ceasefire on a regular basis. The composition of each country's IOT is independently invited 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 RBC and GBC of each country.

=FRESH NEWS