The Ministry of National Defence, in cooperation with the Interim Observer Team (IOT), are visiting Banteay Meanchey province today, August 26, to assess the latest security developments.
“The IOT is composed of representatives from five ASEAN countries — Malaysia, Indonesia, Laos, the Philippines and Vietnam,” explained the ministry.
“The mission was led by Colonel Nazlee bin Abdul Rahim, defence attaché of Malaysia to Cambodia,” he added.
The observers are tasked with observing, verifying and reporting on the situation in the province. Their visit is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen transparency, build trust, and ensure peace and stability along the Cambodian-Thai border area.
The visit comes after Thai soldiers attempted to lay a razor wire barricade in Chok Chay village in Banteay Meanchey on August 25. They were stopped by Cambodian villagers and local authorities.
“At around 2pm, Thai troops attempted to lay barbed wire in Chok Chay village, across from Thailand’s Nong Chan village. They were met with strong opposition by local villagers and authorities, forcing the Thai soldiers to withdraw their razor wire,” said defence ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata.
