The Royal Thai Army (RTA) is set to lead the ASEAN Interim Observation Team (IOT) on a visit to the Thai-Cambodian border, a mission scheduled from Monday to Wednesday. This initiative aims to closely monitor alleged breaches of international law and ceasefire conditions by Cambodian troops, as stated by government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub. The deployment follows ongoing tensions and reports of provocations despite a 13-point ceasefire agreement signed during the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting in Malaysia on August 7.

These observation efforts build upon earlier visits facilitated by the Thai government. ASEAN envoys and representatives from countries that ratified the Ottawa Convention—which prohibits the use of anti-personnel landmines—visited Si Sa Ket province. During their visit, the envoys reportedly witnessed evidence of anti-personnel mines allegedly laid by Cambodian troops and heard firsthand accounts from affected residents. Jirayu Houngsub expressed confidence that these envoys would report their findings to their respective governments and bring the issue to the international community’s attention. Concurrently, the RTA, in collaboration with the Foreign and Interior Ministries, arranged a visit for representatives from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The ICRC assessed the humanitarian impact of cross-border attacks on civilians in Surin, Si Sa Ket, and Ubon Ratchathani provinces, interviewing local residents in affected districts. The ICRC is compiling a confidential report based on its findings, which will be submitted directly to both the Thai and Cambodian governments, rather than being made public. This demonstrated Thailand’s commitment to strengthening humanitarian protection mechanisms.

A significant point of contention revolves around the Ban Nong Chan village in Sa Kaeo province. Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub stated that Cambodians had betrayed Thai hospitality by establishing a community on Thai soil. Ban Nong Chan was initially used as a temporary shelter for Cambodians fleeing civil war in 1977. Thailand alleges that Cambodia later exploited this humanitarian aid to encroach on Thai territory, with refugees refusing to return home and expanding their community. The Cambodian government, supported by an American lobbyist, has accused Thai troops of blocking Cambodians from returning home by sealing off the village with razor wire. Thailand, however, insists that the razor wire was erected entirely within its boundaries to protect its territory from further encroachment and attacks by Cambodian troops, who have also allegedly laid landmines. Jirayu Houngsub maintained that this action did not violate the August 7 GBC meeting conditions, which stipulated that neither side would construct structures outside their territories.

In a diplomatic development, acting Prime Minister Phumtham met with four US lawmakers—two Republicans and two Democrats—who visited Thailand to assess regional developments. Their discussions encompassed Thai–US relations, security concerns, economic issues, and investment opportunities. Phumtham also arranged for the delegation to meet Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira for further talks on economic and security cooperation. The US group is scheduled to travel to Ubon Ratchathani province on August 26 to observe the Thai–Cambodian border conflict zone, accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Phumtham emphasized the importance of truth over propaganda in resolving conflicts, stressing the need for peaceful solutions that prioritize the lives of those affected by the violence. He confirmed raising the issue of Cambodian mine-laying activities with the US delegation and underscored that addressing alleged landmine deployment and barbed-wire fences was a priority, with discussions on canceling Memoranda of Understanding 43 and 44 to be set aside for now. He acknowledged the role of US President Donald Trump and observers from the United States, China, and ASEAN military attachés in Thailand in seeking a positive direction despite misunderstandings and clashes, with further talks anticipated on September 10.