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

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

4:00 PM, August 30, 2025
Keynote Address by H.E. Chum Sounry, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC):

This afternoon, I would like to share with the media the information concerning the discussions between the Cambodian Ambassador to the United States and the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary.

On 28 August 2025, His Excellency KOY Kuong, Ambassador of Cambodia to the United States, held a telephone discussion with Mr. Hunt VanderToll, Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Asia and Pacific Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, to brief him on developments related to the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict. During the discussion, His Excellency Ambassador KOY Kuong recalled the meaningful letter from His Excellency Donald Trump, President of the United States, to the Prime Minister of Cambodia, which reflected his role in facilitating the immediate ceasefire between Cambodia and Thai troops, thereby saving many lives and efforts fully aligned with the wishes of the Cambodian Prime Minister.

He rejected Thailand’s accusation that Cambodia used civilians as human shields and that Cambodia had laid new landmines. He also called on the international community to intervene for the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers whom Thai forces had deceitfully captured as hostages after the official entry into force of the 28 July 2025 ceasefire agreement. He reiterated the firm position of the Royal Government of Cambodia to resolve border disputes with neighboringcountries peacefully in accordance with international law. At the same time, he affirmed Cambodia’s strong commitment to further advancing cooperation with the United States in all areas.

Mr. Hunt VanderToll reaffirmed support of the U.S. President for a peaceful settlement of the border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand. He stressed that the United States encourages both countries, Cambodia and Thailand, to continue sincere dialogue and to urgently establish an ASEAN Observer Group to effectively monitor and oversee the implementation of the ceasefire.

The United States hopes both sides will avoid any actions that could escalate tensions or destabilize the border situation. He confirmed that the United States stands ready to strengthen and expand Cambodia-U.S. bilateral cooperation.

Thank you.