4:00 PM, August 23, 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 23 August 2025 up to 3:00 PM this afternoon, 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, 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 7 August 2025, under the observation of Malaysia, the United States of America, and the People’s Republic of China.
2. I would like to inform you that there have been great developments, particularly since the special meeting held on July 28, 2025, in Putrajaya, which resulted in the ceasefire agreement between the two countries and the fruitful conclusion of the extraordinary meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC) on August 7, 2025. Significant progress can be seen through the adoption of the 13-point Agreed Minutes.
This positive outcome clearly demonstrates that Cambodia and Thailand have collaborated constructively and with positive development, for example, in organising the Extraordinary Meeting of the Regional Border Committee (RBC) among the military regions; the extraordinary RBC meeting between Cambodia Military Region 3 and the Thailand Commander of the Chanthaburi-Trat Border Defence Command, held on August 16, 2025; and the meeting between Cambodia Military Region 5 and the Thailand Commander of the 1st Army Area, which concluded just yesterday. This meeting was concluded with clear confirmation of the commitment from both parties to respect and implement the ceasefire, as well as to inform to improve the border situation and bilateral relations for mutual benefit.
Based on the above-mentioned positive developments, a follow-up meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, August 24, 2025, for the Secretariat Meeting of the Cambodian-Thailand Regional Border Committee (RBC), between Cambodia Military Region 5 and the Thailand Commander of the Chanthaburi-Trat Border Defence Command. This upcoming meeting will be held in Pailin Province with Cambodia as the host. It is anticipated that the meeting will yield positive outcomes, encouraging both parties to fully and effectively implement the ceasefire, which will lead to peace, stability, and the restoration of relations between the two nations at the soonest possible.
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 4:00 PM on 23 August 2025, their detention has lasted 25 days, 8 hours, and 10 minutes.
The Ministry of National Defense, the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, and the International Community will 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.
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 to resolve disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law, the UN Charter, and the ASEAN Charter.
The Royal Government, the Armed Forces, and the Cambodian people stand firmly united and resolutely determined to defend our territory, dignity, and sovereignty.
Thank you.
