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

Key points for Cambodian citizens—particularly journalists and social media influencers—to take into account:

Firstly, the ceasefire agreement that entered into effect at midnight on 28 July 2025 is making positive progress through the fruitful results of successive meetings during the implementation of the ceasefire, in particular, the Extraordinary Meeting of the Cambodia–Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) on 7 August 2025, as well as the two most recent meetings of the Cambodia–Thailand Regional Border Committee (RBC) on 16 and 22 August 2025, have produced significant results.

These positive developments are the direct result of strict adherence to the ceasefire agreement and the remarkable patience demonstrated by all parties involved, which I have repeatedly reiterated to my compatriots almost every day, emphasizing again and again that patience and maintaining the spirit of national unity are the most important things at this critical moment. Therefore, through the patience we have maintained, positive results have emerged continuously, which we should continue to do to achieve the goal that the Royal Government and our people urge to a peaceful and peaceful resolution.

Second, regarding the scattering of barbed wire and tires by the Thai army, I would like to draw attention with one point in the press release of the Extraordinary Meeting of the Cambodia–Thailand Military Regional Border Committee (RBC) held on Friday, 22 August 2025, in Sa Kaeo Province, Thailand, which states that both sides discussed finding practical measures to resolve the issue of scattering barbed wire and tires as well as other obstacles in order to reduce the hardships faced by local communities, make it easier for citizens to return home safely, and reduce the impact on their livelihoods as quickly as possible. This is a manifestation that the Royal Government always pays attention and proactive stance on the matter.

So once again, I urge everyone to remain calm and maintain the strong spirit of national unity that is currently occurring, and please trust the Royal Government and our leadership to resolve this matter peacefully through diplomatic mechanisms, technical mechanisms, and international law.

Third, regarding the dissemination of information, I wish to emphasize the importance of providing accurate and official updates to our citizens, particularly in light of the difficult circumstances our country has faced since 24 July up to now.  This is the reason why the Royal Government has initially organized a press briefing program which used to be held three times a day, which has now been adjusted to twice, in order to ensure that the public receives timely, reliable, and well-verified information from the Royal Government.

At the same time, the careful management of information, especially from our frontline troops, remains of the highest importance. Disseminating information about the troops’ locations, the trenches, weapons, military equipment, and military secrets or anything that discourages the troops is absolutely prohibited as it harms national security. It’s crucial that no one country permits the spread of this kind of information.   This is very important, and no one country allows the dissemination of such information. The Ministry of Information has already issued directives on this matter on August 1, 2025.

In conclusion, I strongly urge all fellow citizens, particularly journalists, to fully understand this crucial point. We cannot go to report on the army’s positions, take pictures of the trenches, show everything, and broadcast anything according to our own wishes from the frontline troops. Military secrets and national security are crucial because they are the lifeblood of the entire nation.

We cannot just seek likes and views without considering military secrets or national security. I respectfully ask everyone to take this seriously and commit to implementing these guidelines diligently.

Thank you,