Bangkok: The Royal Thai Army hosted Dr. Andrew Byers, the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Security Affairs in South and Southeast Asia, to deliberate on the Thai-Cambodian border situation. The discussions took place at the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy Room within the Royal Thai Army Museum.
According to Thai News Agency, the meeting, which spanned from August 14-15, 2015, was led by General Thongchai Rodyoy, Chief of Staff of the Royal Thai Army, representing the Commander-in-Chief. The Royal Thai Army expressed gratitude for U.S. support in ceasefire negotiations and discussed ongoing efforts to avoid border clashes through forthcoming bilateral GBC and RBC meetings. Concerns were raised about Cambodia's landmine deployment and drone patrols infringing on Thai sovereignty.
The meeting also addressed issues of fake news dissemination in Cambodia, which the Thai Army believes fosters public discord and complicates government operations. The establishment of the Interim Observer Team (IOT) and the prospective ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) were discussed as measures to mitigate the situation. The U.S. acknowledged Cambodia's advantage in information warfare and highlighted the role of IOT/AOT in verifying information accuracy.
Furthermore, the United States advocated for conflict resolution through ASEAN mechanisms rather than the United Nations, offering full support to Malaysia and ASEAN in these efforts. Dr. Byers reiterated U.S. readiness to assist AOT operations with logistical and technical support, while the Royal Thai Army emphasized its commitment to maintaining sovereignty and adhering to international law.