Press Briefing by H.E. LTG. Maly Socheata – Update on the implementation of the immediate and unconditional ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand

Press Briefing by H.E. LTG. Maly Socheata – Update on the implementation of the immediate and unconditional ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand

7:00 AM, August 26, 2025
Keynote Address by H.E. LTG. Maly Socheata, the Ministry of National Defense Spokesperson:

This morning I would like to provide some updates following the coming 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:

1. Starting from 24:00 midnight on 26 August 2025 up to 6:00 AM this Morning, the situation at the frontline, Military Region 4, Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey Provinces remains calm and steady under the control of our military forces. Cambodian military forces stand strong and remain fully vigilant in defending the country, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The Cambodian Armed Forces firmly respect and strictly implement the ceasefire reached on 28 July 2025, as well as the 13-point Agreed Minutes adopted at the Extraordinary Meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) on 7 August 2025, under the observation of Malaysia, the United States of America, and the People’s Republic of China.

2. Concern the act of laying barbed wire fence carried out by the Thai military force on August 25, 2025, at 2.20 PM in Chok Chey Village, Ou Beichoan Commune, Ou Chrov District, Banteay Meanchey Province, which is located opposite Nong Chan Village, Khok Sung District, Sa Kaeo Province, Thailand; then at 3.15 PM the Thai force again attempted to restore the barbed wire. However, they were strongly resisted by the Cambodian landowners and other local residents until the Thai force took back their barbed wire.

I wish to emphasize that from 9 August 2025 until the morning of 26 August 2025, the landowners and other local people who have stood united in the response to the above-mentioned acts by the Thai military force are merely motivated by their deep concern over the Thai military barbed wire fencing and by their determination to protect what they regard as their legitimate property. Their actions stem solely from their love for their motherland and their desire to safeguard their legal possessions. During the above incident, our Cambodian force and other relevant competent authorities, all unarmed and stationed in the area, were also present to ensure the safety of our Cambodian citizens. Both our force and the authorities have carried out their duties with professionalism and high responsibility.

Furthermore, our force has strictly adhered to the ceasefire terms agreed upon in the special meeting between the Prime Minister of Cambodia and Thailand held on 28 July 2025, an initiative proposed by the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, as well as the Extraordinary Meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC) concluded on 7 August 2025 in Malaysia, and I wish to emphasize that Cambodia has remained firmly committed to resolving the issue peacefully, avoiding the escalation of tensions and renewed military confrontation.

In this regard, Cambodia urged the Thai side to fully and consistently respect the ceasefire, particularly the spirit of the Extraordinary Meeting of the Regional Border Committee (RBC) between Cambodia Military Region 5 and Thai 1st Army Area held on 22 August 2025, which reaffirmed commitment to refrain from expanding the dispute area and to avoid any actions that could escalate tensions. Cambodia wishes to reiterate that all disputes related to the border issue must be resolved through the Joint Boundary Committee (JBC) of both countries, in line with the spirit of the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU 2000).

3. On 25 August 2025, at 3.47 PM at the Choam Sa-ngam International Border Checkpoint, the Secretariat Team of the Cambodia-Thailand Regional Border Committee (RBC), led on the Cambodian side by Brigadier General Nith Narong, Head of the Secretariat Team of Military Region 4 of Cambodia, held a working discussion with the Secretariat Team of Military

Region 2 of Thailand, led by Colonel Yuthasat Senthachai, Deputy Commander of Military Region 2. Both sides discussed the exchange of agreed minutes and inspected the preparation for the upcoming meeting of the Secretariat Team of the Cambodia-Thailand Regional Border Committee (RBC) between Military Region 4 of Cambodia and Military Region 2 of Thailand, scheduled on 26 August 2025, as well as for the RBC meeting to be held on 27 August 2025. In the morning of 26 August 2025, the Secretariat Meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand Border Committee (RBC) will be held between Cambodia Military Region 4 and Thailand Military Region 2. The meeting will be led by Brigadier General Nith Narong, Head of the Cambodian Delegation, and Colonel Yuthasat Senthachai, Head of the Thai Delegation. The meeting will proceed in accordance with the agenda agreed upon by both parties.

4. On Tuesday morning, 26 August 2025, the Ministry of National Defense of the Kingdom of Cambodia, in coordination with the Interim Observer Team (IOT), comprised of five countries, Malaysia, Indonesia, Laos PDR, the Philippines, and Vietnam, under the leadership of Colonel Nazlee Bin Abdul Rahim, Defence Attaché of Malaysia to the Kingdom of Cambodia, is conducting an official visit to Banteay Meanchey Province in order to observe, verify, and report on the updated situation in Banteay Meanchey Province.

5. At the same time, Cambodia continues to call on the Thai side to implement the above agreements and return 18 of our military personnel to Cambodia so they can reunite with their families, who have been waiting day and night for their return. It is also important to note that Thai soldiers illegally captured these Cambodian military soldiers immediately right after the ceasefire took effect on the morning of 29 July 2025; as of 7:00 AM on 26 August 2025, their detention has lasted 27 days, 23 hours, and 10 minutes.

The Ministry of National Defense, the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, and the International Community will continually demand that Thailand uphold its obligations under international law, and we wish to underscore that we will never abandon or leave any one of our family members behind.

Full implementation of the ceasefire by both sides will create a favorable atmosphere for restoring peace, stability, and normalcy to the relationship between our two countries. This is not only something that our two side’s people aspire, but also it is the wishing of the whole world as clearly proven by the many messages of congratulations and support for the ceasefire agreement and the positive outcome of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee Extraordinary Meeting.

Cambodia is committed to working constructively, sincerely, and in close cooperation with Thailand, Malaysia, other ASEAN member countries, as well as all relevant partners, such as the United States of America and the People’s Republic of China, so as to ensure the effective and full implementation of the ceasefire and to resolve all disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law, the UN Charter, and the ASEAN Charter. The Royal Government, the Armed Forces, and the people of Cambodia stand firmly united and resolutely determined to defend our territorial integrity, national sovereignty, and dignity.

Thank you.