Cambodia Urges Compliance With Ceasefire Agreement Amid Border Tensions With Thailand

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Aug. 23, 2025) — Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on Saturday called for renewed restraint and dialogue following reported violations of the ceasefire agreement with Thailand, which took effect July 28.

Speaking at a press briefing at 7 a.m., ministry spokesperson Nong Sakal outlined Cambodia’s diplomatic and international efforts to uphold the ceasefire and address ongoing tensions along the border.

Since Aug. 1, the ministry has organized four field visits for foreign diplomats, UN regional agencies and international organizations to assess conditions in affected areas. Observers documented multiple violations by Thai forces, including the installation of barbed wire and barricades, drone incursions, rubber bullet use, trench digging, and the destruction of Cambodian civilian infrastructure. Cambodia also reported the continued detention of 18 Cambodian soldiers.

During the most recent visit, held Aug. 22–23, diplomats expressed concern over Thai troops placing barbed wire around Cambodian civilian homes. Observers urged both sides to exercise restraint and pursue peaceful solutions in line with international law.

Cambodia has formally notified the UN Secretary-General, the UN Security Council, ASEAN member states, and several partner countries of its position. The ministry reiterated Cambodia’s commitment to peace, respect for international law, and support for an ASEAN-led ceasefire monitoring mechanism.

The government also raised the issue of the detained soldiers with the International Committee of the Red Cross and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and called on Thailand to honor the ceasefire agreement and withdraw from occupied Cambodian territory.

Cambodia said it will continue to engage through bilateral and multilateral mechanisms, including the RBC, GBC and JBC frameworks, and proposed the establishment of an ASEAN Observer Team to monitor compliance.

Future efforts will focus on reopening border crossings, enhancing cooperation on cross-border crime and mine clearance, and restoring trade and socio-economic ties between the two countries.

“Cambodia firmly upholds its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Nong said, citing historical treaties and the 2000 memorandum of understanding recognized by both sides.