PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has clarified that Malaysia’s proposal to increase the number of international observers monitoring the Thailand–Cambodia ceasefire is not intended as an act of interference in bilateral affairs.
Responding to concerns raised by Thai officials, under the ASEAN Interim Observer Team (IOT).
“It is not about overstepping boundaries. The issue is simply that we currently have eight personnel stationed in Bangkok but only two in Phnom Penh. That imbalance needs addressing,” he said.
“If the numbers remain insufficient, we can consider involving defence officers or representatives from ASEAN embassies already present in the respective countries to support the mission.”
He added, “There are no extraordinary expectations here. If you read the statement carefully, it merely suggests beginning with embassy personnel. This should not be viewed as problematic in any way.”
Earlier this week, Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai rejected Malaysia’s request to expand the international monitoring team, asserting that the ceasefire agreement was a bilateral issue between Thailand and Cambodia.
Phumtham argued that Malaysia’s suggestion was likely motivated by concerns that the existing ASEAN observer team is overstretched and unable to manage the full scope of its duties.
Thailand has reiterated that the dispute is strictly a matter between the two nations and that external involvement, even under ASEAN auspices, should be limited. - August 21, 2025
