KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (Oct. 23, 2025) — Cambodia and Thailand announced the successful outcome of their 2nd Special General Border Committee (GBC) meeting held today in Kuala Lumpur. The meeting, co-chaired by Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, General Tea Seiha and Thai Minister of Defence, General Nattaphon Nakphanit, focused on de-escalating border tensions and advancing peace efforts.

The gathering was observed by representatives from Malaysia, the United States, and members of the Interim Observer Teams from Cambodia and Thailand. The session built on previous negotiations, including the July 28, 2025, bilateral talks between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, held in Malaysia, and the August 7, 2025, extraordinary GBC meeting held in Kuala Lumpur.

Over the course of two days, officials engaged in cordial and constructive discussions to implement confidence-building measures. Notably, both sides agreed on an initial action plan for the removal of heavy weapons to designated military installations, with the process to be monitored and verified by the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT). The Terms of Reference for the AOT was signed today by the GBC co-chairs, marking a significant step toward ensuring transparency and accountability.

Additionally, the parties reached consensus on a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for humanitarian demining operations, aimed at protecting civilians and facilitating socio-economic development. However, discussions on defining priority areas for demining remain ongoing, and both sides committed to further negotiations.

In a separate agreement, Cambodia and Thailand mapped out a plan to enhance cooperation against transnational crimes, including cyber scams and human trafficking. Both police forces reaffirmed their dedication to mutual information sharing, operating within the framework of national laws and humanitarian principles.

The meeting also coincided with the upcoming signing of the Cambodia–Thailand Peace Agreement, scheduled for October 26, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur. Facilitated by the United States and Malaysia, the agreement represents a historic step toward reconciliation, restoring trust, and normalizing relations. The peace deal is expected to facilitate the release of 18 detained Cambodian soldiers.

Following the conclusion of the GBC meeting, Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, spokeswoman for the Ministry of National Defence of Cambodia, disclosed that General Tea Seiha attended a trilateral meeting with Mohamed Khaled Bin Nordin, Malaysian Minister of Defence, and General Nattaphon Nakphanit, Thai Minister of Defence. The three ministers reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining the momentum toward peace by continuing efforts and key mechanisms established during today’s negotiations. Cambodia also expressed appreciation for Malaysia’s effective facilitation of recent diplomatic efforts.

Both sides agreed to convene the next GBC within 90 days or as necessary, with Cambodia hosting the subsequent meeting. Regional and international observers remain optimistic that these ongoing efforts will bring stability and enduring peace to the border region.

Deputy Prime Minister Tea Seiha reaffirmed Cambodia’s unwavering commitment to regional stability and strengthened cooperation with neighboring nations in pursuit of lasting peace, development, and regional harmony.