Cambodia Reaffirms Ceasefire Commitment, Condemns Thai Border Violations

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Aug. 15, 2025) — Cambodian defense and government officials reaffirmed their commitment to the July 28 ceasefire agreement with Thailand, while strongly condemning recent border encroachments by Thai military forces.

At an 11 a.m. press briefing, Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, reported that the situation along military regions 4 and 5—covering Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, and Banteay Meanchey provinces—remained calm between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Friday. Cambodian forces remain fully deployed and vigilant.

Socheata emphasized Cambodia’s strict adherence to the ceasefire and the 13-point consensus adopted at the Aug. 7 General Border Committee (GBC) meeting, observed by Malaysia, the United States, and China.

The Interim Observer Team (IOT) is conducting a second field visit to Preah Vihear province, inspecting the An Ses checkpoint and designated observation sites. The visit follows an initial inspection on July 13 involving military attachés from 13 countries.

Meanwhile, the 27th extraordinary meeting of the Cambodia–Thailand Regional Border Committee (RBC) Secretariat convened Friday in Trat province, involving Military Region 3 of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and Thai commanders from Chanthaburi and Trat​ of Thailand.

Cambodia reiterated its demand for the release of 18 military personnel detained by Thai forces on July 29, one day after the ceasefire took effect. As of 11 a.m. Friday, the soldiers have been held for 17 days, 3 hours, and 10 minutes.

“We will never abandon our soldiers,” Socheata said. “The government, armed forces, and people of Cambodia stand united in defending our sovereignty and dignity.”

Government spokesperson Pen Bona echoed the message, stating that Cambodia has exercised maximum restraint but will not tolerate violations of its territory. He read a statement from the Joint Commission on Demarcation for Land Boundary (JBC), condemning Thai military activities between Aug. 12 and 14, including the deployment of barbed wire and barricades near civilian areas.

“These actions constitute serious violations of the 2000 MOU and international law,” the JBC said, demanding immediate removal of all barriers and preventive measures against future encroachments.