Cambodia, Thailand Agree on Asean Observers, But Major Differences Remain

Cambodia and Thailand agreed on a set of measures on Aug 7 aimed at bolstering a critical ceasefire between the two neighboring countries, including allowing an interim team of Asean observers to monitor disputed border areas.

- Philip Wen Regional Correspondent and Azril Annuar

BANGKOK/KUALA LUMPUR Cambodia and Thailand agreed on a set of measures on Aug 7 aimed at bolstering a critical ceasefire between the two neighboring countries, including allowing an interim team of Asean observers to monitor disputed border areas.

But fundamental differences at the heart of the border conflict remain unresolved, analysts say.

Top defense officials from both countries met in Kuala Lumpur and jointly signed a 13-point document outlining commitments not to move or reinforce troops and weapons along the disputed border, not to undertake any provocative actions that may escalate tensions, and to refrain from disseminating disinformation, among other measures.

Under the agreement, defense attaches from Asean member nations, led by Malaysia, will "observe, on each side, the implementations of the ceasefire on a regular basis".

"We are here for a detailed ceasefire arrangement to stop bloodshed and the suffering by soldiers and civilians of both sides," Cambodian Defence Minister Tea Seiha told reporters in Kuala Lumpur.

"The steps are life-saving measures and lay groundwork for restoring confidence, trust and normalcy between our two countries."

The so-called General Border Committee meeting on Aug 7 was preceded by three days of preliminary talks, and was also attended on the fourth and final day by China and the United States as observers.

It follows an unconditional ceasefire agreed on July 28 between Cambodia and Thailand - also brokered in Malaysia - after a five-day conflict. It was the worst flare-up in the region in over a decade, and claimed at least 43 lives and displaced more than 300,000 people from both sides of the border.