September 10, 2025
MANILA – The Philippines will deploy representatives to the Interim Observer Group that was created to monitor the implementation of the ceasefire in the Cambodia-Thailand border region, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Tuesday.
In a sit-down interview with the media in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Marcos said that sending Filipino observers was part of the Philippines’ commitment to help both parties uphold the ceasefire agreement.
READ: Marcos back in Manila after state visit to Cambodia
“We keep on saying that as long as it concerns the Philippines and ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations], we are here to help. And since you are both our friends—we are friends with both Cambodia and Thailand, we are all members of ASEAN—we do not want to see member states of ASEAN encountering problems,” Marcos said.
“That’s why I always explain that the Philippines is ready to play any role that will help strengthen the ceasefire,” Marcos added.
Marcos said from the original plan to deploy one or two, the Philippines will now send five representatives to the observer group upon request of Cambodia.
In late July, deadly armed clashes broke out between Cambodian and Thai soldiers along the border, which left both military and civilians dead or injured. Thousands of residents were also displaced.
The Interim Observer Group, organized by ASEAN Chair Malaysia, consists of representatives from the member states to monitor the ceasefire along the Cambodia-Thailand border.
A ceasefire agreement was signed on August 4, 2024 by the Defense Ministers of Cambodia and Thailand.