4:00 PM, August 26, 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 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 6:00 AM on 26 August 2025 up to 3:00 PM this Afternoon, the situation at the frontline, Military Region 4, Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey Provinces remains calm and steady under the control of our military forces.
Military Region 5, Banteay Meanchey Province, I wish to inform that concern the Thai military force attempted to reinstall the barbed wire starting from August 25, 2025, at 2.20 PM in Chok Chey Village, Ou Beichoan Commune, Ou Chrov District, up to today. On August 26, 2025, the landowners and the other local people have stood united in response to the above-mentioned action by the Thai military forces. Such response is merely motivated by their deep concerns over the Thai military’s barbed wire fencing and by their determination to protect what they regard as their legitimate property. The action stems solely from their love for their motherland and their desire for safeguarding their legal possessions.
During the above incident, our Cambodian forces and other relevant competent authorities, all unarmed and stationed in the area, were also present to ensure the safety of our Cambodian citizens. Both our force and authorities have carried out their duties with professionalism and high responsibility.
Furthermore, our force has strictly adhered to the ceasefire terms agreed upon in the special meeting between the Prime Minister of Cambodia and Thailand held on 28 July 2025, an initiative proposed by the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, as well as the Extraordinary Meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC) concluded on 7 August 2025 in Malaysia, and I wish to emphasize that Cambodia has remained firmly committed to resolving the issue peacefully, avoiding the escalation of tensions and renewed military confrontation.
In this regard, Cambodia urged the Thai side to fully and consistently respect the ceasefire, particularly the spirit of the Extraordinary Meeting of the Regional Border Committee (RBC) between Cambodia Military Region 5 and Thai 1st Army Area held on 22 August 2025, which reaffirmed commitment to refrain from expanding the dispute area and to avoid any actions that could escalate tensions.
Cambodia wishes to reiterate that all disputes related to the border issue must be resolved through the Joint Boundary Committee (JBC) of both countries, in line with the spirit of the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU 2000).
2. I would like to inform that the Ministry of National Defense of the Kingdom of Cambodia has facilitated another site visit in coordination with the Interim Observer Team (IOT) comprised of five countries – Malaysia, Indonesia, Laos PDR, the Philippines, and Vietnam – under the leadership of Colonel Nazlee Bin Abdul Rahim, Defence Attaché of Malaysia to the Kingdom of Cambodia. The team headed to Banteay Meanchey Province in order to observe, verify, and report on the update situation on the ground in several areas at the Border Post No. 47 in Chok Chey Village, Ou Beichoan Commune, Ou Chrov District, Banteay Meanchey Province.
3. On August 26, 2025, the Secretariat Meeting of the Cambodian-Thailand Regional Border Committee (RBC) commenced at 9.20 AM and is still ongoing up until now, at 4.00 PM the meeting was led by Brigadier General Nith Narong, head of the Secretariat Team of Cambodia Military Region 4, and Colonel Yuthasat Senthachai, Deputy Commander of Thailand Military Region 2. The meeting followed the agenda and programmes agreed upon by both sides.
I will inform you again should there be any further updates regarding the meeting.
4. 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 4:00 PM on 26 August 2025, their detention has lasted 28 days, 8 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.
