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

This morning I would like to provide some updates following the entered 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.

First, starting from 6:00 AM on 14 August 2025 up to 10:00AM this morning, the situation at the frontline military regions 4 and 5, Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, and Banteay Meanchey provinces, remained calm and steady. Cambodian military forces stand strong and fully vigilant in fulfilling their duty.

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.

Second, on August 14, 2025, the Interim Observer Team (IOT), led by Colonel Nazlee Bin Abdul Rahim, the Malaysian Defence Attaché to Cambodia, joined by representatives from six countries, Brunei, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Vietnam, both residents and non-residents, with a total of seven members. The IOT travelled to Battambang province. The first stop of their agenda was at the military region 5, where they listened to the presentation on the progress made since the ceasefire took effect. After lunch, the Interim Observer Team will visit their second destination, the Boeung Trakoun border checkpoint, to observe the security situation along the border and witness the direct impact of the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict.

It was noted that this 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 was concluded on 7 August 2025, which reaffirmed the importance of the IOT deployment.

Cambodia reaffirmed its firm and unwavering commitment to fully 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 observation of Malaysia, the United States of America, and the People’s Republic of China.

Once again, Cambodia called on Thailand to uphold the spirit of the ceasefire in order to achieve a peaceful resolution to the issue in accordance with the principles of international law, ensuring a just, impartial, and fair outcome that will bring peace and prosperity to both nations and peoples.

Third, Cambodia continued to urge the Thai side to fully implement the above agreement and to return the 18 military personnel to Cambodia so they may reunite with their families who have been waiting day and night. It is important to emphasize that these Cambodian soldiers were illegally arrested by Thai forces on the morning of 29 July 2025, immediately after the ceasefire came into effect, and have now been held in custody for 16 days, 3 hours and 10 minutes as of 11:00 AM August 14, 2025. I would like also to take this opportunity to express gratitude to the many partner countries and international organizations that have repeatedly called on the Thai side to release our 18 military personnel without delay.

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 the people of both countries 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 outcomes 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 all disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law, the UN Charter, and the ASEAN Charter.

Thank you.