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 coming 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 24:00 midnight on 25 August 2025 up to 6:00 AM this Morning, the situation at the frontline, Military Region 4 and Region 5—Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, and Banteay Meanchey Provinces—remains calm and steady under the control of our military forces. Cambodian military forces stand strong and remain fully vigilant in defending the country, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. 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. After the Secretariat Meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand Regional Border Committee (RBC) which was smoothly concluded with positive progress yesterday, this morning there will be an Extraordinary Meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand Regional Border Committee (RBC) between the Military Region 5 of Cambodia and the Chanthaburi-Trat Border Defence Command of Thailand, following the agreed-upon agenda in Pailin province, the Kingdom of Cambodia. This meeting will be co-chaired by Lieutenant General EK Sam Oun, the Commander of the Military Region 5 of Cambodia and Vice-Admiral Apichat Sapprasert, Commander of the Border Defence Command of Chanthaburi-Trat Province. We firmly hope that the meeting would yield further positive outcomes, allowing both parties to enhance the full and effective implementation of the ceasefire agreement which will bring peace, stability and the restoration of normalcy.
Since the entered into force of the ceasefire agreement on 28 July 2025, we have seen some positive developments through bilateral discussions between the two countries, such as the Extraordinary Meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) on August 7, 2025 and the Extraordinary Meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand Regional Border Committee (RBC) on August 16 and 22, 2025 between the Military Region 5 of Cambodia conducted at Trat province, Thailand and Sa Kaeo province.
Therefore, the third meeting between the Military Region 5 of Cambodia and the Border Defence Command of the Chanthaburi-Trat Province of Thailand will be held in Pailin province. In this sense, it is essential that both sides continue to work on this positive development to promote peace and stability, especially to restore the constructive relationship between the two countries across all sectors for the benefit of both people.
The Extraordinary Meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand Regional Border Committee (RBC) is the confirmation of the importance of maintaining regular communication between all the army areas and military regions and units along the borders of both parties and to try to resolve all issues peacefully and avoid clashes and in accordance with the spirit agreed upon in the GBC meeting.
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 waiting day and night for their return. It is also important to note that Thai soldiers illegally captured these Cambodian military soldiers immediately after the ceasefire took effect on the morning of 29 July 2025; as of 7:00 AM on 25 August 2025, their detention has lasted 26 days, 23 hours, and 10 minutes.
The Ministry of National Defense, the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, and the International Community will continually demand that Thailand uphold its obligations under international law, and we wish to underscore that we will never abandon or leave any one of our family members behind.
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 not only something that our two side’s people aspire, but also it is the wishing of the whole world as clearly proven by the many messages of congratulations and support for the ceasefire agreement and the positive outcome 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, as well as all relevant partners, such as the United States of America and the People’s Republic of China, so as to ensure the effective and full implementation of the ceasefire and to resolve disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law, the UN Charter, and the ASEAN Charter. The Royal Government, the Armed Forces, and the people of Cambodia stand firmly united and resolutely determined to defend our territorial integrity, national sovereignty, and dignity.
Thank you.
