4:00 PM, August 17, 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 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:

 

1. Starting from 10:00 AM on 17 August 2025 up to 3:00 PM this afternoon, the situation at the frontline, Military Region 4—Preah Vihear and Oddor Meanchey—remains calm and steady. Cambodian military forces stand strong and fully vigilant in fulfilling their duties. 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. Today the team from the Military Region 4 held a preparation meeting for the upcoming Cambodia-Thailand Regional Border Committee (RBC) meeting to be co-chaired by the Military Region 4 of Cambodia and the Military Region 2 of Thailand.On the same day, another team from Military Region 5 also convened a meeting to prepare for the upcoming RBC meeting to be co-chaired by Military Region 5 of Cambodia and Military Region 1 of Thailand. These preparation meetings are to ensure that the RBC meeting schedule for the next week can proceed smoothly, constructively, and with positive outcomes.

 

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 yearning 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 17 August 2025, their detention has lasted 19 days, 8 hours, and 10 minutes. The Ministry of National Defense, the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, and the International Community will be 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.

 

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.

 

Thank you.