ASEAN IoT pays a visit to Pha Mo E Dang, a significant location in a contested territory
The ASEAN Interim Observer Team (IOT) recently visited Pha Mo E Dang, a disputed border area between Thailand and Cambodia, to assess the situation following a ceasefire agreement on July 29, 2025.
During the visit, the IOT was briefed by Thai military officers about past clashes, troop movements, and mine-laying activities by Cambodian forces in the area.
Col Kampanat Waphansu, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Second Army Region, guided the IOT delegation and explained the site's physical characteristics for better understanding.
Key observations included:
- Evidence of Cambodian troop movements, with 194 recorded movements in the Phra Wihan Temple and Chong Don Ao areas after the ceasefire.
- Recovery of 20 Type 72 landmines and other munitions between August 13 and mid-August.
- Detection of 77 drone incursions by Cambodian forces in the Phra Wihan and Phu Makua areas from August 13 to the present.
- Reports of combat incidents where Cambodian forces entered residential zones, while Thai forces tried to limit civilian impact.
- An incident on August 9 where Thai troops were injured by landmines laid by Cambodian forces, with three additional landmines found later.
Thailand expressed strong disappointment over Cambodian soldiers obstructing the IOT and media during a visit to another area, alleging Cambodian insincerity and staging of events against the ceasefire terms.
Despite the ceasefire, tensions remain high with continued military activities and disputes over compliance, as monitored by the ASEAN Interim Observer Team at Pha Mo E Dang.
The IOT consists of representatives from Brunei, Malaysia, Laos, Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam. The IOT's visit to Pha Mo E Dang was the second site visited following the observation at the Chong An Ma area.
Pha Mo E Dang offers a clear view of the disputed area Phra Wihan-Chong Ta Thao-Sattasom. The Second Army Region presented evidence of Cambodia laying new landmines and moving troops after the ceasefire.
Col Rattapol Sirithap, Deputy Commander of Task Force 1, Suranaree Task Force, reported the incident of Thai troops being injured after stepping on a landmine on August 9. The Second Army Region also highlighted areas of intense combat, such as Phu Phee, where a Cambodian army commander was killed.
Investigators found three more landmines at Chong Don Ao, indicating fresh mine-laying by Cambodian forces. The IOT's visit aimed to help the temporary observer team understand the overall situation.
Sources: [1] The Nation Thailand. (2025, August 20). Thailand slams Cambodia for obstructing ASEAN team. Retrieved from https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30404534
[2] Bangkok Post. (2025, August 20). ASEAN team visits Pha Mo E Dang. Retrieved from https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2118209/asean-team-visits-pha-mo-e-dang
[3] Reuters. (2025, August 20). Thailand, Cambodia clash over ASEAN observer team visit to disputed border area. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thailand-cambodia-clash-over-asean-observer-team-visit-disputed-border-area-2021-08-20/
[4] The Phnom Penh Post. (2025, August 20). Cambodia denies obstructing ASEAN team in border clash area. Retrieved from https://phnompenhpost.com/national/cambodia-denies-obstructing-asean-team-border-clash-area
[5] The Straits Times. (2025, August 20). Thailand accuses Cambodia of obstructing ASEAN observers in border dispute. Retrieved from https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/thailand-accuses-cambodia-of-obstructing-asean-observers-in-border-dispute
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