Press Briefing – Update on the implementation of the immediate and unconditional ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand

Press Briefing – Update on the implementation of the immediate and unconditional ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand

Keynote Address by H.E. Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, Spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defence:

4:00PM, August 9, 2025

This Afternoon, I would like to update you on the situation after the ceasefire between the Cambodian and Thai militaries came into effect on midnight July 28, 2025, and after the extraordinary meeting of the Cambodian-Thai General Border Committee (GBC), as of August 9, 2025:

The positive outcome of the extraordinary meeting of the Cambodian-Thai General Border Committee (GBC) reflects the mutual determination of both sides to work together to promote lasting peace, stability, cooperation and development for the mutual benefit of both countries. Therefore, the next most important step for both sides is to show their will, commitment, respect and implement honestly, truly and practically what has been agreed upon.

In this briefing session, I would like to reiterate one point among the agreements reached at the Extraordinary Meeting of the General Border Affairs Committee on August 7, 2025 in Kuala Lumpur:

4.  In this spirit, both sides agreed as follows:

a.  Both sides agreed to a ceasefire involving all types of weapons, including attacks on civilians, civilian objects and military objectives of either side, in all cases and all areas. Both sides must avoid unprovoked firing towards the other side’s positions or troops. This agreement must not be violated under any circumstances. 

b.  Both sides agreed to maintain their current troop deployments without further movement as it is at the time ceasefire reached at 24:00 hours (local time) on July 28, 2025. There shall be no troop movements including patrol towards the other side’s position. 

c.  Both sides agreed not to increase forces along the entire Cambodia-Thailand border. Any reinforcement would heighten tensions and negatively affect long-term efforts to resolve the situation.

d.  Both sides agreed not to undertake provocative actions that may escalate tensions. This includes military activities to enter the other side’s air space and territory or positions as of ceasefire from 24:00 hours (local time) on July 28, 2025. Both sides agreed to refrain from constructing or enhancing any military infrastructure or fortifications beyond their own side.

In this spirit, Cambodia hopes that Thailand will immediately release and return the 18 captured Cambodian soldiers, reflecting the growing appeals from partner countries and international organizations.

Starting from July 29, 2025, at 7:50 AM, immediately after the ceasefire entered into force, Cambodian military personnel were unlawfully captured by Thai soldiers. As of now, there have been 11 days, 8 hours, and 10 minutes, counting precisely as of 4:00 PM on August 9, 2025. Cambodia has repeatedly urged Thailand to promptly return all 18 military personnel back to Cambodia in accordance with international humanitarian law and in response to the urgent appeals from various partner countries and international organizations.

The Ministry of National Defense, the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, and the international community will continue to call upon Thailand to fulfill its obligations under international law. We are committed to ensuring that no military personnel are left behind or abandoned. Our stance remains firm in advocating for an immediate release and safe return of our detained personnel, emphasizing adherence to legal and humanitarian standards.

Cambodia would like to reiterate its unwavering commitment to respecting and strictly implementing all the terms of the ceasefire agreement, as well as the spirit and content reached at the Extraordinary Meeting of the General Border Committee on August 7, 2025.

Cambodia’s commitment to work constructively, in good faith and in close cooperation with Thailand, Malaysia, other ASEAN member countries and all relevant partners to ensure the effective and full implementation of the ceasefire and to resolve all disputes peacefully in accordance with international law, the UN Charter, and the ASEAN Charter.