Army Chief Welcomes AOT, Affirming Border Stability
Thailand's Army Chief met with the head of the ASEAN Observer Team from the Philippines to reaffirm commitment to stability along the Thai-Cambodian border, emphasizing cooperation through neutral observation and information gathering.
RAYONG — On May 21, 2026, Thailand's Army Chief met with the head of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) from the Philippines to reaffirm their joint commitment to maintaining stability and security along the Thai-Cambodian border.
Gen. Pana Claewplodtook, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army, alongside high-ranking military officials, welcomed Brig. Gen. Gregorio Sibayan Nieveras, Head of the ASEAN Observer Team-Thailand (AOT-TH), and his AOT delegation from the Philippines on Thursday. The official introductory meeting took place in the Sri Sitthi Songkhram Reception Room at the Royal Thai Army Headquarters.
Both sides emphasized key cooperation mechanisms outlined in their Joint Statement, designed to strengthen bilateral relations at all levels—from high-level policy to ground operations. The goal is to foster peace, security, and orderly conduct along the shared Thai-Cambodian border, creating the foundation for sustainable peace and shared prosperity in the region.
Brig. Gen. Nieveras underscored the AOT's core operational principles, pledging that the observation team will maintain strict neutrality at all times. This commitment guides their mission to observe and collect information with absolute accuracy, transparency, and fairness, in line with mutual agreements.
Gen. Pana confirmed that the Royal Thai Army is fully prepared to support and facilitate the AOT's mission across all dimensions, enabling the AOT delegation to carry out its oversight duties successfully within the frameworks of the Joint Statement and existing cooperation agreements. This collaboration directly reflects the army's commitment to strengthening ASEAN Community security mechanisms.
