March 30, 2026
PHNOM PENH – Cambodia has welcomed additional military officers from Singapore and Malaysia who have joined the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT), in a move aimed at strengthening regional oversight of the ceasefire and related agreements with Thailand.
According to a March 27 statement by Ministry of National Defence spokeswoman Maly Socheata, the new arrivals were received by the Cambodian Liaison Group (CLG) at Siem Reap Angkor International Airport.
Two officers from Singapore – Brigadier General Wong Zheng Ernest and Lieutenant General Shasi Kumar – arrived at 4pm, while earlier in the afternoon, two Malaysian officers – Lieutenant Colonel Mohd Amin bin Baharom and Lieutenant Colonel Mohd Erry bin Dul – also joined the mission.
The officers will serve with the AOT in Cambodia, which is currently led by the Philippines. in its current role as ASEAN chair.
Their mandate is to observe and ensure the effective implementation of measures outlined in joint agreements between Cambodia and Thailand.
The deployment reflects growing regional involvement in monitoring the situation along the Cambodia–Thailand border, following agreements reached between the two countries to maintain a ceasefire and restore stability after recent clashes.
Cambodia reiterated its full support for the AOT, stressing the importance of strengthening its role and mandate to ensure that all agreed measures are implemented “fully and effectively”.
The defence ministry said the presence of additional observers would help promote transparency, accountability and mutual trust, while also welcoming further participation from friendly countries.
“The Royal Government and the Ministry of National Defence reaffirm our firm, sincere and unwavering commitment to fully and faithfully respect and implement all relevant agreements,” it said.
These include the Joint Statement from the third special meeting of the Cambodia–Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) held on December 27, 2025, and the Joint Declaration on the Peace Agreement between the two countries. dated October 26, 2025.
The government noted that these commitments are aimed at ensuring a rapid recovery of normalcy and achieving long-term peace and stability along the shared border.
The latest arrivals bring additional capacity to the ASEAN-led monitoring mechanism, underscoring efforts by regional partners to support the implementation of ceasefire measures and prevent further escalation.