Thailand Says Interim Observer Team Most Viable For Swift Asean Border Oversight, Backs AOT

BANGKOK, Aug 23 (Bernama) -- Thailand has backed the Interim Observer Team (IOT), calling it the most practical mechanism for rapid deployment in ASEAN’s border monitoring along the Thai-Cambodian frontier.

At the same time, Bangkok affirmed support in principle for the proposed ASEAN Observer Team (AOT), while stressing ASEAN’s unity and the importance of a workable long-term arrangement.

Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Russ Jalichandra said the Malaysia-led IOT is composed of defence attaches from ASEAN Member States already stationed in Thailand and Cambodia, enabling faster mobilisation and the commencement of observer operations.

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“In contrast, the AOT would require participating countries to dispatch military observers from their respective capitals. Such process would involve additional domestic legal and administrative procedures under Thai law, potentially slowing deployment,” he said in a statement on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Russ said Thailand is fully supportive of the AOT in principle, but stressed the importance of a mechanism that can function without delay.

“In this context, Thailand believes the IOT structure remains the most practical arrangement to ensure observer functions proceed without disruption while discussions on the AOT continue.

“We remain ready to facilitate and support both arrangements in a manner that ensures timeliness, efficiency and ASEAN’s unity of purpose,” Russ said.

The IOT and AOT initiatives are part of ongoing ASEAN efforts to promote peace and stability along the Thai-Cambodian border.

-- BERNAMA