PHNOM PENH – At a press briefing held at 4:00 p.m. on August 2, 2025, Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, provided an update on the implementation of the immediate and unconditional ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand.

Lt. Gen. Socheata stated that the Royal Government of Cambodia and its armed forces continue to fully respect and implement all provisions of the ceasefire agreement, which was reached during the extraordinary meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC) on July 28.

“Thanks to the determined, transparent, and unwavering commitment of the Royal Government and the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, we are steadily working toward restoring peace and stability along the border,” she said.

She added that, during the GBC meeting, Thailand agreed to Cambodia’s request to include Malaysia, the United States, and China as observers to the ceasefire process.

“This arrangement demonstrates a shared commitment to ensuring the success and sustainability of the ceasefire, with the ultimate goal of promoting peace, cooperation, and development for the people of both nations,” she noted.

Addressing the issue of 18 Cambodian soldiers currently in Thai custody since 7:50 a.m. on July 29, Lt. Gen. Socheata confirmed that Thailand has assured Cambodia the soldiers are safe and unharmed.

“The Royal Government remains actively engaged in negotiations to secure their release and reiterates its firm call for their immediate and unconditional return, in accordance with international humanitarian law,” she said.

She added that Cambodia has formally requested Malaysia—ASEAN Chair and key facilitator of the ceasefire—to mediate the matter, and urged Thailand to expedite the soldiers’ release.

“The Ministry of National Defense and the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces reaffirm that we will never abandon any of our military personnel under any circumstances,” Lt. Gen. Socheata concluded.