Kuala lumpur: The ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) will play a crucial role in monitoring and ensuring the success of the peace plan signed between Thailand and Cambodia, said Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) Chief Gen Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar. He stated that the AOT, comprising military personnel from ASEAN countries, was officially established through the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord and is tasked with ensuring both countries fully implement four agreed-upon action plans to ease the border crisis.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the AOT’s responsibilities include repositioning heavy weapons to their original locations, ensuring comprehensive demining operations, relocating the ‘scam centres’ in Cambodia, and executing humanitarian missions. All four plans must be executed for Thailand to release the 18 Cambodian detainees they currently hold, as discussed during Gen Nizam’s appearance on Bernama TV’s Ruang Bicara programme.
The Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord, signed by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, was witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and US President Donald Trump during the 47th ASEAN Summit. Mohd Nizam explained that the AOT is a continuation of the Interim Observer Team (IOT), aiming to enhance the military personnel contribution from ASEAN countries in both nations.
Through the AOT, ASEAN plans to station 16 personnel in Thailand and 16 in Cambodia, with additional members expected from countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, and Brunei. Mohd Nizam acknowledged that ensuring compliance with the peace plan poses a significant challenge for the ASEAN chairmanship, to be assumed by the Philippines next year.
The withdrawal of heavy weapons, a key step in the plan, requires a high level of trust between the nations, as it leaves their borders vulnerable. Additionally, the demining process is anticipated to be lengthy, as both countries must agree on the sectors to be cleared before starting.
Thailand and Cambodia have a long-standing dispute over the 817-kilometre border, with recent tensions leading to a military confrontation on July 24. A meeting hosted by Anwar in Putrajaya on July 28 between Manet and Acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai successfully eased tensions through a ceasefire agreement. The ceasefire, hailed as a significant ASEAN achievement, prevented an escalation of the conflict and safeguarded thousands of civilians.