4:00PM, August 9, 2025
Keynote Address by H.E. LTG. Maly Socheata, the Ministry of National Defense Spokesperson:
This afternoon I would like to update you on the situation after the ceasefire between the Cambodian and Thai military came into effect at midnight on July 28, 2025. And after an extraordinary meeting of the Cambodia-Thai General Border Committee (GBC), as of August 9, 2025.
The positive outcome of the extraordinary meeting of the Cambodia-Thai General Border Committee, GBC, reflects the mutual determination of both sides to work together to promote lasting peace, stability, cooperation, and development for the mutual benefit of both countries. Therefore, the next most important step for both sides is to show their will, commitment, and respect and implement honestly, truly, and practically what has been agreed upon.
In this briefing session, I would like to reiterate one point among the agreements reached at the extraordinary meeting of the GBC on 7 August 2025 in Kuala Lumpur.
In this spirit, both sides agree as follows:
a. Both sides agree to a ceasefire involving all types of weapons, including attacks on civilians and civilian objects and military objectives of either side, in all cases and all areas. Both sides must avoid unprovoked firing towards the other side’s positions or troops. This agreement must not be violated under any circumstances.
b. Both sides agree to maintain current troop deployments without further movement as it is at the time ceasefire reached at 24:00 hours (local time) on 28 July 2025. There shall be no troop movements including patrol towards the other side’s position.
c. Both sides agree not to increase forces along the entire Cambodia-Thailand border. Any reinforcement would heighten tensions and negatively affect long-term efforts to resolve the situation.
d. Both sides agree not to undertake provocative actions that may escalate tensions. This includes military activities to enter the other side’s air space and territory or positions as of ceasefire from 24:00 hours (local time) on 28 July 2025. Both sides agree to refrain from constructing or enhancing any military infrastructure or fortifications beyond their own side.
In this spirit, Cambodia hopes that Thailand will immediately release and return the 18 captured Cambodian soldiers, reflecting the growing appeal from partner countries and international organizations.
Starting from 29 July 2025 at 7.50 a.m., immediately after the ceasefire entered into force, Cambodian military personnel were unlawfully captured by Thai soldiers. As of now, there have been 11 days, 8 hours, and 10 minutes, counting precisely as of 4 p.m. on 9 August 2025. Cambodia has repeatedly urged Thailand to promptly return all 18 military personnel back to Cambodia in accordance with international humanitarian laws and in response to the urgent appeal from various partner countries and international organizations.
The Ministry of National Defense and the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and the international community will continue to urge Thailand to fulfil its obligations under international law. We are committed to ensuring that no military personnel are left behind or abandoned. Our stance remains firm in advocating for an immediate release and safe return of our detained personnel, emphasizing adherence to legal and humanitarian standards.
Cambodia would like to reiterate its unwavering commitment to respecting and strictly implementing all the terms of the ceasefire agreement, as well as the spirit and content reached at the extraordinary meeting of the General Border Committee on 7 August 2025.
