Is Thailand banning AOT from monitoring the ceasefire?
The ASEAM Observer’s Team (AOT) in Cambodia recently visited the Mer Teuk bridge, which was damaged by Thai F-16s in December. Supplied
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A former Cambodian diplomat who served at the embassy in Bangkok believes Thailand is fighting to hide the truth, including barring the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) from entering Thailand.
In an interview with local TV outlet BTV, Sin Sarun, who served at the embassy, said that Thailand had rejected entry to the AOT members. The Thai military are currently occupying several parts of Cambodia.
“On January 25, Thai authorities reportedly denied visas for some AOT members. Previously, they permitted three-month entry and now that is completely closed. If this is true, Thailand is opening another war on the truth,” he said, adding that he had received the information from inside sources in Bangkok.
The December 27 Joint Statement recognised the role of the AOT as a part of the mechanisms for the implementation and verification of de-escalation measures.
“Both sides recognize the important role of ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) and agree to strengthen the roles of the AOT, in consultation with both the ASEAN chair and the AOT, in verifying and ensuring the effective implementation of all the measures in this Joint Statement,” said Point 12 of the statement.
Similarly, Point 13 stated that: “To ensure effective implementation, both sides agree to utilise the Cambodia-Thailand and Thailand-Cambodia Border Coordination Units to ensure that the ceasefire is sustained, manage situations on the ground, address incidents in a timely manner and prevent miscalculation under the observation and verification of the AOT”.
While The Post cannot verify the ban, there have been no reports in the Thai media outlet about the Thai authorities arranging for the AOT to visit several border areas where the Thai military has occupied Cambodian territory and reportedly demolished several structures, including homes.
In contrast, the Cambodian Ministry of National Defence has reported almost 10 coordinated missions in which the AOT has visited the border provinces, including Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey and Pursat.
-Phnom Penh Post-
