4:00 PM, August 20, 2025
Keynote Address by H.E. LTG. Maly Socheata, the Ministry of National Defense Spokesperson:
This afternoon, 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 6:00 AM on August 20, 2025, up to 3:00 PM this afternoon, the situation at the front lines, Military Regions 4 and 5—Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, and Banteay Meanchey Provinces—remain calm and steady under the control of our military forces. Cambodian military forces stand strong and remains fully vigilant in defending the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Cambodian Armed Forces firmly respects and strictly implements 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, and the People’s Republic of China.
2. The Ministry of National Defense of the Kingdom of Cambodia has facilitated a full-day program of field inspection tours for the Interim Observer Team (IOT), comprising representatives from five countries: Malaysia, Indonesia, Laos, the Philippines, and Vietnam. The team, led by Colonel Nazlee Bin Abdul, Malaysian Defense Attaché to Cambodia, visited Preah Vihear Province and visited the surrounding area around Preah Vihear Temple in order to observe, verify, and report on the updated situation after the ceasefire agreement. It is also worth noting that the IOT mission stemmed from the outcome of the special meeting held on July 28, 2025, in Putrajaya, Malaysia, and the extraordinary meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee, GBC, concluded on August 7, 2025.
3. It should be noted that on July 29, 2025, Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) issued urgent guidance on measures for outreach education aimed at preventing and controlling risks associated with cluster munitions and explosive devices for displaced civilians in safety zones. Following the issue of the urgent guidance, both national and international operators have launched joint operations to educate citizens at all safety zones and continue their regular activities within communities at grassroots levels and even at individual households.
The key aspect of this education is to enrich civilian knowledge regarding different types of explosive devices and the potential dangers, especially the cluster munitions that are now scattered on the surface around residential areas, schools, and hospitals within communities. Additionally, operators are using signage, warning signals, and perimeter fencing to mark areas containing these explosive devices and are mobilizing rapid response teams to clear these areas promptly.
4. At the same time, Cambodia continues to call on the Thai side to implement the above agreement 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 July 29, 2025. As of 4:00 PM on 20 August 2025, their detention has lasted 22 days, 8hours, and 10 minutes. The Ministry of National Defense, the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, and the international community will persist in demanding that Thailand uphold its obligations under international law, and we will never abandon or leave any 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 two people desire but the whole world wishes to see, as demonstrated by many messages of congratulations and support for the ceasefire agreement and the positive outcomes of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee’s 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.
