Cambodia Thanks Laos for Contribution to Border Dispute Observer Mission

The Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, General Vong Pisen, presented a letter of appreciation to Lao military officers who have completed their tenure as members of the ASEAN observer group on the Cambodia-Thailand border dispute. The Commander-in-Chief stated that this contribution is considered a contribution to maintaining peace in the region. The Lao officers who received the letter of appreciation were Colonel Chanthanoom Keolaokham and Colonel Saysamone Sookphaset. Speaking at the award ceremony held on the afternoon of July 24, 2026, General Vong Pisen thanked the Lao Party, State, and Armed Forces for their support in implementing the ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, and for sending military officers to fulfill their mission as observers in the spirit of ASEAN family solidarity. General Vong Pisen emphasized that in the context of Cambodia facing border disputes with Thailand, Laos' participation as an ASEAN observer reflects a shared commitment to pursuing peace, stability, prosperity, and maintaining ASEAN's centrality. He praised the dedication, sense of responsibility, and high professionalism of the two observer officers who have been away from their families and homeland to contribute to building peace and normalcy along the Cambodia-Thailand border. In place of the aforementioned officers, the Lao government has continued to send two other military officers to join the ASEAN observer team (AOT) in Cambodia, led by the Philippines as the rotating ASEAN chair, to monitor and verify the situation along the Cambodia-Thailand border after the ceasefire officially entered into force. Cambodia consistently provides full support and strengthens the role of the ASEAN observer group in ensuring the implementation of the ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, promoting transparency, trust, and protecting the lives of citizens. Cambodia always welcomes friendly countries to send observers or participate in peace efforts. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local