ASEAN interim observer group starts 2nd round inspection at conflict-affected areas on Cambodia-Thailand border

PHNOM PENH -- An ASEAN interim observer group on Sunday launched the second-round two-week-long inspection at conflict-hit areas on the Cambodia-Thailand border, a Cambodian defense spokesperson said.

Led by the military attaché of Malaysia, the current chair of ASEAN, the group included the Indonesian military attaché, Myanmar military attaché, Lao deputy military attaché, Philippine assistant military attaché, Vietnamese assistant military attaché, and Singaporean non-resident military attaché.

Cambodian Defense Ministry's Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata said the group will visit several locations in Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces to monitor the implementation of a recent ceasefire agreed by Cambodia and Thailand.

"The participation of these partner countries reflects a common desire to ensure that the ceasefire is successful and lasting with the goal of bringing back peace, stability, cooperation, and development for the benefit of the peoples of both countries," she said in a press briefing.

On July 24, armed clashes erupted between Cambodian and Thai soldiers in border areas. The two countries agreed on an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the afternoon of July 28, taking effect at midnight of the same day.