The ASEAN Interim Observer Team (IOT) observed the Thai military encroaching on Cambodian territory in Banteay Meanchey province’s Prey Chan village this afternoon, October 10, according to the Ministry of National Defence.
Ministry spokesperson Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, confirmed that the IOT, working in coordination with Cambodian defence authorities, conducted a field mission to the area, in O’Bei Chon commune’s O’Chrov district, to observe the current situation of the ceasefire on the ground.
“The IOT, led by Malaysia, conducted its mission at the location where Thai forces are committing encroachment activities upon Cambodian sovereignty in Prey Chan village,” she said, emphasising the seriousness of the border violation.
According to the ministry, the Thai armed forces carried out land clearing and mine clearance operations within Cambodian territory twice — first at 11.05am and again at 1.55pm, using armoured bulldozers.
That these actions took place while the ceasefire is in effect raised concerns over non-compliance with Thailand’s commitment to regional peace.
The IOT, established to monitor and ensure the effective implementation of the ceasefire, continued its on-site monitoring throughout the day to gather accurate and comprehensive assessments of the situation.
Socheata noted that the team’s observations are crucial for maintaining transparency and accountability among the parties involved.
The defence ministry confirmed that the IOT will continue to conduct regular trips to Prey Chan throughout the week to monitor developments closely and ensure that no further encroachment occurs.
Cambodia has reiterated its commitment to peaceful resolution and regional cooperation, while firmly defending its territorial integrity against any form of foreign intrusion.
Thailand’s repeated displays of military strength have drawn criticism for fuelling instability along the border, with the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) once again emphasising its readiness for a potential “second round of fighting”.
According to Thai outlet The Nation, Air Chief Marshal Seksan Kantha, commander-in-chief of the RTAF, speaking at the Navamintr Kasatriyadhiraj Royal Thai Air Force Academy in Saraburi province today, said he had instructed all units to remain on standby to implement countermeasures if new clashes erupt.
“The military must always be ready,” he said, adding that forces are prepared to respond to any unexpected developments.
Although Seksan claimed there was no “detailed discussion” of operations in Prey Chan, his remarks and Thailand’s continued shows of force along the frontier have been widely seen as provocative, threatening to undermine the fragile ceasefire now in place.
Thai media reported that Cambodian civilians — including women, children and monks — assembled at Prey Chan, while Cambodian troops maintained defensive positions.
On the Thai side, residents of Sa Kaeo province, anxious about renewed fighting, began reinforcing bunkers and preparing for possible evacuation.
Cambodian media outlets filmed and livestreamed Thai armoured bulldozers and other heavy equipment moved into Cambodian territory, under the pretext of conducting a demining operation.
The operation was heavily guarded by hundreds of Thai soldiers, while on the Cambodian side, only media outlets were present to document and report the encroachment.
