Banteay Meanchey, Cambodia — On Saturday night, 11 October 2025, the Ministry of National Defence (MND) of the Kingdom of Cambodia, in coordination with the Interim Observer Team (IOT), deployed a mission to the border in Banteay Meanchey province following reports of an unprecedented psychological tactic used against Cambodian civilians.
At approximately 11:00 PM, the joint team visited Chork Chey and Prey Chan Villages in O’Bei Choan Commune, O’Chrov District, to observe, verify, and report on the situation.
The mission was prompted by information received regarding the use of loudspeakers from the Thai side broadcasting unsettling and disruptive sounds directed at Cambodian communities during the night.
Psychological Tactics Alleged
According to local reports received by the Ministry of National Defence, the sounds broadcasted were highly disturbing and appeared to be targeted to create fear and distress within the Cambodian villages.
The alleged sounds resembled:
- Haunting ghosts
- Barking and howling dogs
The Ministry noted that the deliberate timing and nature of these broadcasts were particularly distressing to vulnerable members of the community, specifically mentioning the sick, the elderly, children, and persons with disabilities.
IOT Coordinates Verification Mission
The immediate deployment of the joint team, which included the Interim Observer Team (IOT) composed of ASEAN military attachés, underscores the seriousness with which Cambodia treats this unconventional form of border harassment.
The presence of the IOT is crucial as it provides international, third-party verification of the situation on the ground. The mission’s objective is to confirm the broadcasts and include them in the official reporting mechanism established under the ceasefire agreement, further documenting unilateral and provocative actions taken by the opposing side.
The Royal Government of Cambodia has consistently stressed that it is committed to resolving disputes through dialogue and international law, viewing such provocative actions as clear violations of the spirit of the ceasefire.
