Unofficial Translation Press Release

On Sunday morning of September 28, 2025, the Ministry of National Defence of the Kingdom of Cambodia facilitated the visit of the Interim Observers Team (IOT), led by Malaysia along with its members, to inspect the actual sites affected by two rounds of attacks carried out by the Thai military forces using mortar and small arms against the Cambodian military base in An Seh area, Preah Vihear Province, on September 27, 2025. The purpose of this visit was to observe, verify, and report the situation after the ceasefire came into effect.

This site inspection took place one day after the Thai military forces initiated the attacks upon the Cambodian forces in An Seh area, located in An Seh village, Choam Khsan commune, Choam Khsan district, Preah Vihear Province. To be exact, the firing occurred around 11:52 AM and continued until 12:46 PM, with two rounds of attacks: the first round was from 11:52 AM to 12:22 PM, and the second round was from 12:25 PM to 12:46 PM. 

During these incidents, the Cambodian forces did not retaliate at all as they strictly adhered to the guidance principle of maintaining maximum restraint and fully implemented the ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand, which entered into force at 24:00 hours (local time) on July 28, 2025, with firmness and consistency.

In the meantime, Cambodia is gravely concerned over the provocations and the continued firing from within the Thai side itself. In fact, on September 27, 2025, at 11:52 AM, Thailand launched an attack on Cambodian forces, then accused Cambodia of opening fire first. Such actions could impact the respect for and implementation of the ceasefire agreements, which further complicate the situation and escalate tensions.

In this sense, Cambodia requests the ASEAN Interim Observers Team (IOT) to participate in investigating and forensically examining in precise detail of the remaining evidence at the post Thailand's attack on the Cambodian forces; particularly, placing the attention on the types of ammunition used and the directions of firing, to provide accurate, truthful, accountable, and transparent facts, ensuring fairness and justice regarding the incident for both parties as well as the general public.

Her Excellency Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, Spokeswoman of the Ministry of National Defence of the Kingdom of Cambodia

September 28, 2025