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  

11:00 AM, August 18, 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 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:

1. Starting from 6:00 AM on 18 August 2025 up to 10:00 AM this morning, the situation at the frontline, Military Region 4 and Region 5—Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, and Banteay Meanchey Provinces—remains calm and steady. Cambodian military forces stand strong and fully vigilant in fulfilling their duties. 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. 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 arrested Cambodian military personnel immediately after the ceasefire took effect on the morning of 29 July 2025; as of 11:00 AM on 18 August 2025, their detention has lasted 20 days, 3 hours, and 10 minutes.

The Ministry of National Defense, the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, and the International Community will persistin demanding that Thailand uphold its obligations under International Law, and we will never abandon or leave any one of our family members isolated. The Royal Government, the Armed Forces, and the Cambodian people stand united in defending their territory, dignity, and sovereignty with unwavering determination and clarity.

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 something that not only our people desire, but the whole world wishes to see, as demonstrated 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, and all relevant partners, such as the United States of America and the People’s Republic of China, to ensure the effective and full implementation of the ceasefire and the resolution of disputes peacefully and in accordance with International Law, the UN Charter, and the ASEAN Charter.

After the ceasefire agreement entered into force at midnight on July 28, 2025, it has been observed that there have been gradually positive developments through bilateral discussions between the two countries. Such notable developments include the Extraordinary GBC Meeting held on August 7, 2025, and the Extraordinary RBC Meeting on August 16, 2025, which underlined that both sides agree in principle to establish the Coordinating Group (CG) to enhance communication at all levels, including between commanders, border liaison working groups, the standing force in the border area, and operational units along the Cambodia-Thailand border with the aim of resolving all issues peacefully and avoiding clashes. In this spirit, it is essential for both parties to continue fostering this positivity toward peace and stability, especially to restore normalcy in both countries and relations across all sectors, as well as for the benefit of both peoples.

Thank you