Asean Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn yesterday urged the swift deployment of an Asean observer team to ensure lasting peace along the Thailand-Cambodia border.
Speaking at the 9th Asean Media Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Mr Kao said that Thailand, Cambodia, and Asean have been actively working to form and deploy the observer team.
He also said a special interim observer team has begun operations in the border area to monitor the situation.
“I sincerely hope that the Asean observer team will be established as soon as possible,” he said. “We should not wait for gunfire to resume or for the ceasefire to be violated.”
He said the Asean Secretary-General’s office does not participate in negotiations or the drafting of agreements related to the team’s establishment.
He emphasised the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement marks a crucial step toward restoring stability between Thailand and Cambodia.
“I hope the sound of gunfire will fall silent, and that the ceasefire will be fully upheld by both sides,” he said. “This will create a peaceful space for both countries to return to reason, negotiation, and diplomacy.”
He also expressed confidence that the Philippines, which will assume the Asean chairmanship next year following Malaysia, would continue to advance peacebuilding efforts in the region.
“We will rely on the wisdom and leadership of the Asean chair, as well as Cambodia and Thailand, to guide and make the most of this ceasefire,” he said. “This is crucial not only for the two countries but for the people of the entire Asean region.”
The media conference, jointly organised by the Asean Secretariat and the German Agency for International Cooperation, brought together media experts from across the region to discuss key issues and strengthen understanding of Asean’s role under each rotating chairmanship.