Phnom Penh/New York – July 27, 2025 — The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern on Sunday over the recent armed clashes along the Cambodia-Thailand border, urging both sides to cease hostilities immediately and to pursue peaceful dialogue.

“I urge both sides to immediately agree to a ceasefire and to address any issues through dialogue,” Guterres said. He also emphasized his readiness to assist in efforts toward a peaceful resolution of the conflict, reiterating the UN’s commitment to stability and peace in the region.

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Cambodia-Thailand

In Cambodia, Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, called on the Thai military to cease spreading false information and to stop justifying what he described as Thailand’s “illegal invasion” of Cambodian territory. Speaking at a press conference on July 27, the fourth day since the outbreak of hostilities, Lt. Gen. Socheata stated, “Cambodia calls on the Thai military to stop its continued lies and false pretexts, and the international community must hold Thailand fully accountable for its crimes and demand an immediate end to all hostilities.”

She reaffirmed Cambodia’s firm commitment to a peaceful resolution in accordance with international law, emphasizing Cambodia’s right to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. “Cambodia reaffirms its sovereignty and self-defense in line with the United Nations Charter to protect its territory, sovereignty, and the lives of its citizens against Thai aggression,” Lt. Gen. Socheata added.

During a morning press briefing, Chum Sounry, Secretary of State and  Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, provided details on diplomatic efforts to address the crisis. He reported that on the night of Saturday, July 26, 2025, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet held a phone discussion with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the border clashes.

During the conversation, President Trump expressed his desire to prevent further violence and casualties on both sides, emphasizing his long-standing efforts to mediate and resolve conflicts worldwide. He conveyed hope for an immediate ceasefire and peace between Cambodia and Thailand.

Prime Minister Hun Manet confirmed Cambodia’s agreement to the ceasefire proposal and noted that he had previously discussed the same position with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the current ASEAN Chair, on July 24. 

Moreover, President Trump, after speaking with Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, conveyed positive news that Thailand also agreed to the ceasefire initiative, offering a glimmer of hope amid the ongoing conflict. Said Sounry.

Cambodia’s leadership remains cautious, with Prime Minister Hun Manet expressing hope that Thailand will not reverse its position. He has tasked Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Prak Sokhonn to coordinate with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Thai officials to ensure the swift implementation of the ceasefire agreement. The goal is to prevent further loss of life, injuries, and displacement, allowing refugees to return safely to their communities.

Prime Minister Hun Manet thanked President Donald Trump for his diplomatic efforts, emphasizing that the ongoing negotiations and support could save lives and help restore peace. “This positive outcome will truly help protect the lives of many soldiers and civilians, and enable hundreds of thousands of refugees to return to their villages and resume their daily lives in safety,” he remarked.

As fighting continues along the border, international calls for restraint and dialogue grow louder, with the hope that diplomatic efforts will soon bring a lasting peace to the region.