Phnom Penh, Cambodia – August 16, 2025 – In a brief yet significant statement this morning, General Maly Socheata, spokesperson for Cambodia’s Ministry of Defence, provided an update on the current situation along the Cambodia–Thailand border. The news comes amid ongoing efforts to solidify peace after the ceasefire came into effect on July 28, 2025.

According to General Socheata, from midnight until 6 a.m. today, the frontline areas in Preah Vihear, Uddor Meanchey, and Banteay Meanchey provinces have remained steady and calm. Cambodian military forces, he assured, are vigilant and committed to upholding the ceasefire, which was formally agreed upon and reinforced at the recent Extraordinary Meeting of the Cambodia–Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) on August 7. He emphasized that Cambodia continues to respect the 13-point agreement and is monitoring developments closely, with international observers from Malaysia, the United States, and China overseeing the process.

Further progress was reported yesterday, as an extraordinary meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand Border Regional Committee (RBC) concluded positively. This meeting involved officials from Cambodia’s Military Region 3 and Thailand’s Border Defense Command of Chanthaburi-Trat Province. Today, an all-day RBC session led by Major General Uy Heang of Cambodia and Vice Admiral Aphi Chhat Sapprasert of Thailand is underway. Cambodia hopes this meeting will produce constructive results that help solidify the peace process, improve cooperation, and lead to the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement.

These diplomatic and military engagements follow a series of high-level discussions, beginning with the July 28 summit in Putrajaya, Malaysia, and culminating in the August 7 GBC meeting. Cambodia reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining open lines of communication and resolving issues peacefully, underscoring the importance of avoiding confrontation and building mutual trust.

However, despite encouraging developments, concerns remain. Cambodia continues to call on Thailand to honor its commitments, especially regarding the return of 18 Cambodian military personnel who have been detained since July 29. Cambodian officials highlighted that these soldiers have been held for over 17 days, and they urged Thailand to uphold its international obligations. The Cambodian government expressed its unwavering resolve to defend its sovereignty and to ensure that its soldiers and their families are not left isolated or abandoned.

Diplomatic efforts extend beyond the border. Cambodia’s foreign ministry detailed a recent “Tea Chat” held in Yunnan province on August 14, involving China, Cambodia, and Thailand. The meeting was described as a platform of openness, candor, and mutual respect, where Cambodia expressed its appreciation for China’s role in facilitating dialogue and supporting the ceasefire. Cambodia also called for the immediate deployment of the ASEAN Observer Team, which aims to oversee the ceasefire and aid in long-term peacebuilding.

In addition, Cambodia acknowledged Japan’s generous aid—an emergency grant of approximately US$1.8 million aimed at helping communities affected by the recent conflict. Cambodian officials expressed gratitude to Japan’s government and officials, including the Japanese ambassador and defense attaché, for their visits to the border and their unwavering support for peace and stability in the region.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Chum Sounry reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to peaceful dispute resolution, regional stability, and long-term development. He emphasized that Cambodia remains dedicated to working with its neighbors and international partners to ensure lasting peace, uphold international law, and facilitate reconstruction efforts.

As the peace process continues, Cambodia remains hopeful that these diplomatic and military efforts will lead to a stable border, improved relations with Thailand, and a tranquil environment for regional development. The government’s focus remains on transforming the border into a zone of peace, stability, and shared prosperity for all.