Proposal To Expand Observer Team To Ensure Safety At Thailand-Cambodia Border - Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 21 (Bernama): The proposal to deploy additional observers to monitor the implementation of the Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire is solely aimed at ensuring continued safety and stability in the region and does not amount to interference, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said the current number of ASEAN Interim Observer Team (IOT) members requires a more balanced distribution of resources between the two neighbouring countries.

“For example, we have 10 members in Bangkok but only two in Phnom Penh. So, we need to increase the numbers.

“If insufficient, additional personnel can be drawn from defence attachés and embassies, and supported by other teams,” he said.

He told reporters this after the closing ceremony of the ASEAN Law Forum 2025, themed Enhancing Access to Justice in the ASEAN Economic Community: Bridging Legal Cooperation for Inclusive Growth, here today.

Yesterday, Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai rejected the proposal to send more international observers to monitor the implementation of the ceasefire at the Thailand-Cambodia border.

Phumtham said Anwar had contacted him on Tuesday, suggesting the deployment of additional international observers on the grounds that the ASEAN IOT could not carry out the task alone.

On July 28, the two countries reached an agreement to implement an unconditional ceasefire following a special meeting in Putrajaya hosted by the Malaysian Prime Minister.