Finalizing the ASEAN Observer Team’s Terms of Reference is an Urgent Priority, Spokesperson (8 August, 2025)

Phnom Penh, 8 August 2025 — During a press briefing held at the Office of the Council of Ministers at 7:00 AM today, Her Excellency General Maly Socheata, Spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defense, emphasized the critical importance of swiftly finalizing the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT), which will monitor the ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand.

Her Excellency highlighted the outcomes of the recent General Border Committee (GBC) Meeting between Cambodia and Thailand, which took place on August 7, 2025 in Putrajaya, Malaysia. She noted that the discussions proceeded smoothly and constructively, reflecting a positive and collaborative atmosphere. Both sides reached mutual agreement on key elements of the ceasefire and the development of a joint implementation mechanism, marking a significant step toward sustaining peace and seeking a long-term, diplomatic resolution.

“This progress paves the way for peace, stability, cooperation, and development for the peoples of both nations,” said H.E. Maly Socheata. “The most important next step is establishing a robust mechanism to monitor the implementation of the ceasefire.”

She further affirmed that both Cambodian and Thai delegations have agreed to expedite the drafting of the TOR for the ASEAN Observer Team as swiftly as possible. “This monitoring mechanism is essential to ensuring compliance with the ceasefire agreement,” she added.

It should be noted that, as previously scheduled, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense, General Tea Seiha, led a high-level delegation of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces to attend the GBC meeting with the Thai side in Putrajaya, Malaysia on August 7, 2025.