Press Briefing -Update on the implementation of the immediate and unconditional ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand

  7:00 AM, August 21, 2025  

  Keynote Address by H.E. LTG. Maly Socheata, the Ministry of National Defense Spokesperson:

 Good morning and warm greetings to all members of the press and to my fellow Cambodians who are following today’s press briefing. 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 21 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's 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. The Ministry of National Defense of the Kingdom of Cambodia facilitated a full-day programme of a field inspection tour for the Interim Observer Team (IOT), comprising representatives from five countries: Malaysia, Indonesia, Laos, the Philippines and Vietnam. The team, led by Colonel NAZLEE BIN ABDUL RAHIM, Malaysian defence attaché to Cambodia, visited Preah Vihear province and the surrounding area around Preah Vihear temple. As of today, August 21, 2025, the team remained on the ground fulfilling the mission of observing, verifying and reporting on the situation of the border area after the ceasefire agreement took effect.

3. Today I would like to reiterate to all relevant parties one point among the certain points agreed minutes reached at the extraordinary meeting of the GBC on 7 August 2025 in Kuala Lumpur: Both sides agreed to refrain from disseminating false information and fake news in order to de-escalate tensions, mitigate negative public sentiment and foster an environment conductive to peaceful dialogue. 

Cambodia absolutely does not support this dissemination of false information, sharing or producing any fake news, as such actions not only do not help ease the tension and reduce negative impact on public sentiment but also do not create an environment conductive for further peaceful dialogue.

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 arrested Cambodian military personnel immediately after the ceasefire took effect on the morning of 29 July 2025; as of 7:00 AM on 21 August 2025, their detention has lasted 22 days, 23 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.

This is something that not only our both sides’ people desire, but the whole world wishes to see, as demonstrated 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, and all relevant partners, such as the United States of America and the People's Republic of China, to ensure the effective and full implementation of the ceasefire and the resolution of disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law, the UN Charter, and the ASEAN Charter.

Thank you.