Why “Patience” Is the Most Crucial Key in Implementing the Ceasefire?

Why “Patience” Is the Most Crucial Key in Implementing the Ceasefire?

Phnom Penh, 15 August 2025 – Government Spokesperson H.E. Pen Bona underlined that “Patience” is the most essential factor in the implementation of the Cambodia–Thailand ceasefire agreement, as the accord was not reached solely between the two countries but was facilitated and supported by the international community.

Speaking during the daily press briefing on the “Implementation of the Cambodia–Thailand Ceasefire” at the Office of the Council of Ministers at 7:00 a.m. on Friday, August 15, 2025, H.E. Pen Bona stressed that the ceasefire emerged from the Special Meeting held on July 28, 2025 in Putrajaya, Malaysia, hosted by Malaysia with the support from the United States and with active participation from China.

“In this context, patience is the key,” he emphasized. “If we lose patience, we risk suddenly becoming the ‘instigator.’ This is precisely what we must remain vigilant against—and indeed, what the other side desires.”

The Spokesperson highlighted that provocations from the Thai side have taken various forms, including laying piles at the roadblock, installing barbed wire, shooting slingshots, and spreading false information along with provocative rhetoric and attempts at internal destabilization, yet Cambodia remains tolerant.

“The country maintains national unity and solidarity while resisting the temptation to retaliate or escalate violence, thereby safeguarding peace and stability,” he continued. “Additionally, the extremist groups based abroad are being exploited to incite division and weaken Cambodia’s unity in line with external agendas.”