Keynote Address by H.E. LTG. Maly Socheata, the Ministry of National Defense Spokesperson:

Good morning and warm greetings to all members of the press and to my fellow Cambodians who are following today’s press briefing. This morning I would like to provide some updates following the coming into effect 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.

1. Starting from 24:00 midnight on 19 August 2025 up to 6:00AM 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 under the control of our military forces. Cambodian military forces stand strong and remain fully vigilant in defending the country’s 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 7August 2025, under the observation of Malaysia, the United States of America, and the People’s Republic of China.

2. This morning the Ministry of National Defense of the Kingdom of Cambodia facilitated the Interim Observer Team (IOT), comprising representatives from five countries led by Colonel NAZLEE BIN ABDUL RAHIM, Malaysian Defence Attaché to Cambodia, departed from Phnom Penh for Preah Vihear province in order to observe, verify, and report on the updated situation after the ceasefire agreement.

3. 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 7:00 AM on 20 August 2025, their detention has lasted 21 days, 23 hours, and 10 minutes.

The Ministry of National Defense, the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, and the International Community will be precise in 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 on both sides 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.

Thank you.