Asean monitors: ‘simply theatre’ in Thai-Cambodian narrative war?

Asean military observers have now visited both sides of the Thai-Cambodian frontier, measuring damage and recording claims as Bangkok and Phnom Penh continue to trade allegations of ceasefire breaches following last year’s deadly clashes.

In late June, a delegation from member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations fanned out across Thailand and Cambodia, escorted through contested ground and competing narratives.

The fighting last year resulted in more than 100 military and civilian deaths and hundreds of injuries on both sides. Two ceasefires were reached, the first in July and the second in December after heavy fighting had resumed.

Thailand’s military said the 13-member Asean Observer Team travelled to affected areas in Sisaket province on June 25 to assess conditions on the ground, verify reports of incidents and evaluate the impact on local communities.

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Thailand says its military drones struck a bunker and casino along Cambodian border

The delegation visited Phu Makua, Pha Mor E Daeng and Ban Phum Srol where Thai authorities briefed observers on alleged actions by Cambodian troops. These included claims of anti-personnel landmine use and indirect fire, with officials saying rockets had caused damage to property and harmed civilians.

Cambodia’s defence ministry said the team also visited Wat Prasat Ta Moan Sen Chey in Banteay Ampil district, Oddar Meanchey province, where it observed damage to the temple there that Phnom Penh attributed to Thai forces. Cambodian officials further alleged that Thai attacks had struck civilian infrastructure, including schools, hospitals and homes.