Keynote Address by H.E. Chum Sounry, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC):
11:00 AM, August 7, 2025
Cambodia notes with disappointment the disinformation campaign currently being carried out by Thailand, even as both countries remain engaged in dialogue toward the full implementation of the ceasefire. This campaign appears to be a deliberate attempt to mislead the international community, distort Cambodia’s position, and divert attention from Thailand’s own actions on the ground. Nevertheless, we wish to underscore the following points:
First, regarding Cambodia’s actions and intentions:
Cambodia has consistently demonstrated goodwill, restraint, and a firm commitment to peace. This is evident in its full compliance with the ceasefire agreement reached during the special meeting on 28 July 2025 in Malaysia, as well as its active and good-faith participation in the General Border Committee talks. Cambodia has continuously pursued a politically negotiated resolution to the crisis and has welcomed inspection visits by foreign diplomats and UN agencies to displacement camps to ensure transparency. Importantly, Cambodia has never initiated hostilities; any military engagement has been strictly defensive in nature and conducted entirely within Cambodian territory.
Second, Cambodia’s response to recent allegations:
Cambodia firmly rejects the baseless accusations made by Thai officials, which falsely portray Cambodia as the aggressor and allege violations of the ceasefire and deliberate targeting of civilians. These claims are not only factually incorrect but also dangerously misleading. Cambodia reiterates that all of its actions have been taken strictly in self-defence, in response to incursions into its sovereign territory, and that it has consistently upheld the ceasefire with restraint. The Cambodian Armed Forces have not targeted civilian areas at any time.
Furthermore, Cambodia categorically denies allegations that it has exploited civilian populations or refugee movements for political purposes. On the contrary, Cambodia has granted international diplomats and UN agencies full access to displacement sites, facilitated the delivery of humanitarian assistance, and publicly advocated for the safe and voluntary return of civilians through the full implementation of the ceasefire. Cambodia views these unfounded allegations as an attempt to discredit its sincere efforts and undermine regional peace.
Third, a call to end disinformation and return to dialogue:
Cambodia strongly urges Thailand to cease its ongoing campaign of public misinformation and instead recommit to constructive dialogue and regional cooperation. This disinformation effort not only erodes mutual trust between the two countries but also jeopardizes the progress achieved under the ceasefire agreement. Cambodia remains steadfast in its commitment to peacefully resolving all outstanding issues through diplomatic channels, particularly the General Border Committee (GBC), which has demonstrated its capacity to produce meaningful results.
Fourth, an appeal to the international community:
Cambodia respectfully calls on the international community—including ASEAN member states, UN agencies, observer nations, particularly the current ASEAN Chair Malaysia, as well as the United States and China—to support impartial mechanisms for monitoring the situation, such as the proposed ASEAN monitoring team. Cambodia also urges global media outlets to pursue objective reporting by backing independent verification efforts and to refrain from amplifying one-sided narratives that disregard the facts on the ground and Cambodia’s demonstrated commitment to restraint and diplomacy. As a peace-loving nation, Cambodia reaffirms its strict adherence to the ceasefire agreement and pledges full cooperation with all regional and international initiatives aimed at stabilizing the situation.
