ASEAN Observers to Monitor Fragile Truce Between Thailand and Cambodia

On August 7, 2025, Thailand and Cambodia concluded four days of talks in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, agreeing to establish interim observer teams to monitor a fragile ceasefire that ended five days of deadly armed border clashes between the two countries.

The clashes, which began after a land mine explosion along the border wounded five Thai soldiers, resulted in dozens of casualties and the displacement of over 260,000 people on both sides. The July 28 ceasefire was brokered by Malaysia, but tensions have persisted as each country accused the other of violating the agreements.

The joint statement from the General Border Committee meeting noted that the interim observer teams, comprising defense officials from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and coordinated by Malaysia, will operate within their respective borders and work closely with local military authorities. This is a step towards the deployment of a formal ASEAN observer mission.

The U.S. and China attended the meeting as observers, with U.S. Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D. Kagan stating that the outcome was an important milestone, though he emphasized the need for a "durable, sustainable ceasefire" that is accepted and enforced by both sides.

However, the issue of the 18 Cambodian soldiers captured just hours after the ceasefire took effect remains a sticking point. Thailand has called the group "prisoners of war" and said they will only be freed and repatriated following an end to the conflict, while Cambodia has accused Thailand of mistreating the captives.