Intervention by H.E. Pen Bona, Royal Government Spokesperson

Good morning fellow Cambodian citizens and Member of the Press. Today I would like to share with you some information:

First: Yesterday, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister, had a telephone conversation with the ASEAN rotating chairman. After the meeting, the Prime Minister wrote on his official Facebook page as follows:

“Earlier, on 19 August 2025, I had a phone call with His Excellency Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia and current Chair of ASEAN, regarding the progress of the implementation of the ceasefire that was agreed upon between Cambodia and Thailand at the Special Meeting on 28 July 2025, in Putrajaya, and the Extraordinary Meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (Extraordinary GBC) on 7 August 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, which were both coordinated and facilitated by Malaysia. We also discussed the need for a quick establishment of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) and the operation of the Interim Observer Team (IOT). Both AOT and IOT are important mechanisms for effectively monitoring the implementation of the ceasefire.”

Second: The international community has seen and received a clear message from Cambodia: Both our top leaders and citizens from all walks of life, including Buddhist monks and followers of other religions, all spoke with one voice: “Cambodia wants peace.” This sharp and meaningful message is echoed in unison, resounding in all directions, at all times. This confirms the desire of Cambodian leaders and its people to live in peace.
On the other hand, at every stage of resolving the border issue with Thailand, Cambodia always seeks a peaceful solution through technical and international legal mechanisms.

Even in implementing the current ceasefire, Cambodia strongly welcomes and encourages the participation of international observers as witnesses. These clear messages are not only in words, but Cambodia has also shown concrete actions by strictly respecting all terms stipulated in the ceasefire agreement with the utmost restraint.

This is clear and sufficient evidence which undoubtedly confirms the genuine aspirations and actions of the Cambodian leadership and its people who endeavour for peace. The international community has certainly realized the truth about Cambodia. Therefore, making accusations in the form of setting different scenes to shift the blame onto Cambodia is obviously ineffective.