Bangkok: The Region 2 Army has accused Cambodia of insincerity and breach of ceasefire agreements by transporting soldiers and weapons into the Chong An Ma area.

According to Thai News Agency, the 2nd Army Area clarified the incident that occurred on September 13, when Cambodian military forces led by Maj. Gen. Chan Chophiatra entered the Chong An Ma area in Nam Yuen District, Ubon Ratchathani Province. The incursion involved an Interim Observer Team (IOT) led by Maj. Gen. Chophiatra, who reportedly spent about 30 minutes in the area before departing, notifying the Thai authorities only an hour in advance.

The Cambodian forces allegedly brought over 50 soldiers equipped with handguns and rifles, violating the ceasefire agreement. Specifically, the agreement’s Article 4 prohibits provocative actions and military activities that encroach on the other side’s territory, airspace, or locations, as well as the construction of military infrastructure beyond national borders.

Additionally, the use of personnel not in compliance with the agreement was noted. Maj. Gen. Dato’ Pahlawan Asri bin Shukor, Director of the Training Division, Malaysian Army, was identified as leading the IOT observer team, despite not holding the position of Assistant Defence Attache of ASEAN in Phnom Penh. This action contravenes Article 12 of the ceasefire agreement, which stipulates that such duties should be carried out by Assistant Defence Attaches from ASEAN member states stationed in Thailand and Cambodia.

These actions are seen as evidence of Cambodia’s lack of commitment to adhering to the ceasefire agreements established under the General Border Committee (GBC) and the Regional Border Committee (RBC). The violations are considered significant obstacles to achieving lasting peace along the Thai-Cambodian border.