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 28 July 2025, and after the extraordinary meeting of the GBC was concluded on August 7, 2025, as of today.

First, starting from 6:00 AM as of 13 August 2025 up to 10:00 AM this morning, the situation at the front line along the Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey provinces remains calm and steady. Cambodian military forces stand strong and fully vigilant in fulfilling their duties.

Second, the Ministry of National Defense of Kingdom of Cambodia firmly rejects any accusations lacking clear and unfounded evidence from the Thai side caused by the mine explosion at the Tamoan Thom Temple area, Banteay Ampildistrict, Oddar Meanchey province, on August 12, 2025. Cambodia maintains its firm position that has absolutely not use and will not use new landmine. Cambodia is a state party to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, which it ratified in 1999, and has been recognized by the international community for its demining efforts at home and abroad.

Cambodia notes that, up to this point, no official and transparent investigation has been carried out to establish the facts surrounding this incident. Furthermore, Cambodia has reminded Thailand on multiple occasions that these areas still have explosives, which are the remnants of war. In this sense, all parties should refrain from making public conclusions before finding out the truth so as to provide justice and to avoid misunderstandings that could escalate tension and confrontation.

Both parties have also agreed not to publish or share any false or fake news to ease tension, reduce negative impact on the public sentiment, and create a favourable environment for peaceful dialogue. For this matter, Cambodia adheres to the principle of dis-estimating true, accurate, and clear information to the public and resolutely combat fake news.

The Cambodian government is strongly and clearly affirmed that unwavering commitment to respect and implement the ceasefire agreement upon on July 28, 2025, and the 13-point Agreement from the extraordinary meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) on August 7, 2025, this meeting was observed by Malaysia, the United States of America, and the People’s Republic of China. Cambodia urged Thailand to cooperate in accelerating the establishment of an ASEAN observer group, led by Malaysiato verify and ensure the full and effective implementation of the ceasefire.

Cambodia also calls on Thailand to respect the terms of the ceasefire agreement and the spirit of extraordinary GBC meeting, which states that both parties have agreed to keep their military forces in their current location and not allow them to move beyond the position they held when the ceasefire agreement took effect at 12:00 AM, local time on July 28, 2025. Both parties must not move their troops, including patrols, into the other parties’ territory. Once again, Cambodia launches an appeal to Thailand to strictly adhere to the spirit of the ceasefire agreement so as to move towards a resolution that both sides had agreed to, including through the Regional Border Committee (RBC) meeting and the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) meeting, to be held in the near future.

Third, in this spirit, Cambodia continues to urge the Thai side to fully implement the above agreements and to return the 18 military personnel to Cambodia so they may reunite with their families who have been waiting day and night.

It is important to emphasize that this Cambodian soldier was illegally arrested by Thai forces on the morning of 29 July 2025, immediately after the ceasefire came into effect, and has now been held in custody for 15 days, 3 hours and 10 minutes as of 11 AM this morning.I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the many partner countries and international organizations that have repeatedly called on the Thai side to release our 18 military personnel without delay.

Full implementation of the ceasefire by both sides will create a favorable atmosphere for restoring peace, stability, and normalcy to relationships between our two countries. This is something that not only our two people desires, 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 work 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 resolve of disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law, the UN Charter, and the ASEAN Charter.

Thank you.