Seven-nation observer team visits Cambodian border village after Thai barbed wire incident

A seven-nation Interim Observer Team (IOT) led by the Malaysian Defence Attaché to Cambodia conducted an inspection this afternoon at Prey Chan Village, O’ Bei Choan Commune, O’ Chrov District, Banteay Meanchey Province, following reports of illegal barbed wire installation by Thai armed forces earlier this week.

According to a statement from Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense, the delegation included both resident and non-resident Defence Attachés accredited to the Kingdom of Cambodia. The visit aimed to assess the situation on the ground after Thai forces allegedly erected barbed wire along the border on August 12–13.

The ministry said these developments came just days after a ceasefire agreement and the issuance of a joint statement during the Extraordinary Cambodia–Thailand General Boundary Committee (GBC) Meeting, held on August 7 in Malaysia. The agreement was intended to ease recent tensions and promote dialogue between the two neighbours.

The Ministry of National Defense did not elaborate on the findings of the observer team but underscored that the inspection was part of efforts to ensure adherence to the commitments made under the GBC agreement.

Authorities in Phnom Penh have repeatedly stressed that unilateral actions along the border undermine mutual trust and could risk escalating tensions. The ministry reiterated its call for Thailand to respect the ceasefire and maintain open communication channels through established bilateral mechanisms.

No immediate response from Thai authorities was available as of press time.