AKP Phnom Penh, September 27, 2025 --

Cambodia has expressed grave concern over provocations and continued gunfire originating from the Thai side, urging the Interim Observer Team (IOT) to conduct an on-site investigation.

In a statement released this evening, H.E. Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, Spokeswoman of the Ministry of National Defence, said that on Sept. 27, 2025, at 11:52 AM, Thailand launched an attack on Cambodian forces, then accused Cambodia of opening fire first. Such actions could impact the respect for and implementation of the ceasefire agreements, which further complicate the situation and escalate tensions.

“In this sense, Cambodia requests the ASEAN Interim Observers Team (IOT) to participate in investigating and forensically examining the remaining evidence explicitly at the post Thailand's attack on the Cambodian forces; particularly, placing the attention on the types of ammunition used and the directions of firing, to provide accurate, truthful, accountable, and transparent facts, ensuring fairness and justice regarding the incident for both parties. Cambodia also urges Thailand to demonstrate the same will concerning this matter,” she underlined.

According to the spirit of the first special meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC) held on Sept. 10, 2025, both parties already agreed in principle on the Terms of Reference (TOR). In this regard, Cambodia calls for the swift establishment of the ASEAN Observers Team (AOT) to verify both parties' compliance with the ceasefire agreement sincerely and transparently, not merely in words, said the spokeswoman. 

“The Cambodian forces reiterate their firm commitment to fully respecting and implementing the ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand, emphasising the continuation of the close cooperation at all levels, and seeking tangible joint efforts to promote peace and stability, as well as a swift return to normalcy between the two countries,” she concluded.

By C. Nika