IOT Delegation Visits Chong Bok to Assess Thai-Cambodia Border

Pictures courtesy of Amarin

A delegation from the Interim Observer Team (IOT) comprising representatives from Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore visited Chong Bok in Ubon Ratchathani on 4 October 2025 to observe the situation along the Thai-Cambodia border. The visit aims to gather facts without assigning blame, ahead of bilateral discussions between the two countries.

The IOT delegation, led by Pol. Col. Samsul Rizal Bin Musa, Malaysian Defence Attaché to Thailand, began the day with a briefing at Sapphasitthiprasong Hospital camp by the 2nd Army Area command. The briefing lasted around two hours and provided a comprehensive update on recent developments at the border, before the team travelled to Chong Bok in the afternoon.

This marks the first IOT visit to Chong Bok, including the strategic area of Hill 500, known for past clashes and mine incidents. The team also planned to visit the origin of Phaya Sataban trees, a sensitive border point, as part of their assessment of ground conditions. Previously, the IOT visited Chong An Ma in Nam Yuen District, Ubon Ratchathani, on 19 August 2025.

Pol. Col. Samsul Rizal stressed that the IOT’s role is purely observational to collect facts for reporting to higher authorities, not to judge which side is correct. He said, “We are here to observe and assess, before further bilateral discussions. Detailed findings will be shared with the media later.”

The visit follows agreements in the General Border Committee (GBC) talks between Thailand and Cambodia, aiming to resolve tensions peacefully. The delegation’s inspection is part of fulfilling those commitments and understanding the operational reality at the border.

On 5 October, the IOT will continue its mission by visiting a detention facility in Mueang District, Surin Province, before heading to Chong Sai Ta Ku in Ban Kruat District, Buriram Province. These visits are part of a broader fact-finding effort ahead of future bilateral meetings.

Key Takeaways

• The IOT visit to Chong Bok is the first by the team to this sensitive border area.

• The mission focuses solely on fact-finding, not determining fault.

• On 5 October the visit will extend to detention facilities and additional border points.

Related Stories

Cambodian-drones-detected-across-border-provinces

Cambodian-soldiers-fire-shots-at-thai-border-fence

  Adapted by Asean Now from Komchadluek 2025-10-05