Asean monitors: ‘simply theatre’ in Thai-Cambodian narrative war?
With zero enforcement powers, monitors risk being used to simply validate rival propaganda campaigns, analysts say
The fighting last year resulted in more than 100 military and civilian deaths and hundreds of injuries on both sides. Two ceasefires were reached, the first in July and the second in December after heavy fighting had resumed.
Thailand’s military said the 13-member Asean Observer Team travelled to affected areas in Sisaket province on June 25 to assess conditions on the ground, verify reports of incidents and evaluate the impact on local communities.
The delegation visited Phu Makua, Pha Mor E Daeng and Ban Phum Srol where Thai authorities briefed observers on alleged actions by Cambodian troops. These included claims of anti-personnel landmine use and indirect fire, with officials saying rockets had caused damage to property and harmed civilians.
Cambodia’s defence ministry said the team also visited Wat Prasat Ta Moan Sen Chey in Banteay Ampil district, Oddar Meanchey province, where it observed damage to the temple there that Phnom Penh attributed to Thai forces. Cambodian officials further alleged that Thai attacks had struck civilian infrastructure, including schools, hospitals and homes.