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:

7:00AM, August 11, 2025

This morning I would like to provide some updates following the entered into force of the ceasefire between the Cambodian and Thai armed forces on July 28, 2025, and after the Extraordinary Meeting of the GBC was concluded on August 7, 2025, as of today.

Starting from 12:00am 11th August, 2025 up to 06:00am this morning, the situation at the frontline along Preah Vihear and Uddor Meachey Provinces remain calm and steady. Cambodian military forces stand strong and fully vigilant in fulfilling their duty.

On August 10, 2025, Boonsin Padklang, the Commander of Military Region 2 announced his retirement plan which is only 51 days away with the following actions:  

Firstly: to seize the Ta Krobei Temple which is under the legitimate control of Cambodia, and Secondly: declare the closure of the Tamoan Thom Temple which is situated within the Cambodian sovereignty and territorial integrity. This statement constitutes an undeniable  evidence of a provocative and premeditated attempt to invade Cambodian sovereignty and territorial integrity.  

The above-mentioned actions of Military Commander Region 2, Boonsin Padklang amounts to a violation of the ceasefire agreement reached during the special meeting on July 28, 2025, and the spirit of the extraordinary meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC) held on August 7, 2025, in Malaysia. During this GBC Extraordinary meeting, Cambodia and Thailand agreed mainly on Point 2, which states that both parties must not move their troops, including refraining from patrolling beyond their current positions. 

Cambodia emphasizes its firm stance on peaceful resolution and adherence to the principle of peace and strictly implements the ceasefire agreement. Cambodia hopes that Thailand will also uphold these principles with sincerity to resolve the border disputes so as to restore peace for the peoples of both countries. 

I would also like to underscore that borders cannot be changed through the use of force, and that border issues must be resolved through technical and international legal mechanisms.

Furthermore, the Ministry of National Defence launches appeal to the international community, especially the partner countries that have worked diligently which led to achieving this hard-earned ceasefire and also urges Thailand to respect this ceasefire agreement not only verbally but also through concrete actions, including halting all violations and provocations, and to immediately remove the barbed wires covertly laid on Cambodian territory.  

I would like to re-affirms that the overall situation at the border remains calm, and both sides should continue to maintain this stability, to work towards improving this situation, avoiding any action that could hinder peace, stability and good relationship between the two countries which are not only the common aspirations of our two peoples, but also of the global community as clearly proven through many congratulatory messages and support for this ceasefire agreement as well as the positive outcomes resulting from the GBC Extraordinary meeting between Cambodia and Thailand.

It is worth noting that this mission stemmed from the outcomes of the Special Meeting held on July 28, 2025, in Putrajaya, Malaysia, and the Extraordinary Meeting of the Cambodia–Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) was concluded on August 7, 2025, which reaffirmed the full implementation of the ceasefire agreed upon on July 28, 2025, in Putrajaya.

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 13 (Third teen) days as of August 11, 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 Defence, 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 reaffirms its commitment to work constructively, in good faith, and in close cooperation with Thailand, Malaysia, other ASEAN member states, 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 United Nations Charter, and the ASEAN Charter.