Cambodia Urges Full Compliance with Ceasefire, Denounces Thai Landmine Allegations

PHNOM PENH, August 13, 2025 — Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence has reaffirmed its commitment to the immediate and unconditional ceasefire agreement with Thailand, while strongly rejecting allegations that Cambodian forces were responsible for a landmine explosion that injured a Thai soldier near the border.

Speaking at a press briefing at 7:00 a.m. local time, Ministry Spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata provided an update on the ceasefire’s implementation, which took effect on July 28 following heightened tensions between the two countries. The briefing also followed the conclusion of an extraordinary General Border Committee (GBC) meeting on August 7, attended by observers from Malaysia, the United States, and China.

According to Socheata, the situation along the Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey front lines remained “calm and steady” between midnight and 6:00 a.m. this morning, with Cambodian troops maintaining full vigilance.

The Ministry dismissed Thai claims that Cambodia planted new landmines in the Tamoan Thom Temple area of Oddar Meanchey province, calling the accusations “unfounded and lacking clear evidence.” Socheata emphasized Cambodia’s long-standing adherence to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, which it ratified in 1999, and highlighted the country’s internationally recognized demining efforts.

“No official or transparent investigation has been conducted to determine the facts,” Socheata said, urging all parties to avoid premature conclusions that could inflame tensions. Cambodia reiterated that the area in question contains unexploded ordnance left over from past conflicts and has repeatedly warned Thailand of the risks.

Both sides have agreed to refrain from spreading misinformation or inflammatory content, in an effort to de-escalate tensions and promote peaceful dialogue.

Cambodia called on Thailand to honor all terms of the ceasefire agreement and the 13-point consensus reached during the GBC meeting, including a commitment to freeze troop movements and avoid patrols near the border. The Ministry also urged Thailand to support the establishment of an ASEAN observer group, led by Malaysia, to monitor compliance.

In a pointed appeal, Cambodia demanded the immediate release of 18 military personnel allegedly detained by Thai forces on July 29—just one day after the ceasefire took effect. “It has now been 15 days,” Socheata said. “Cambodia has repeatedly called for their repatriation in accordance with international humanitarian law and in response to appeals from partner countries and international organizations.”

The Ministry stressed that full implementation of the ceasefire is essential to restoring peace and normalcy in bilateral relations. “This is not only the aspiration of both nations, but also of the international community,” Socheata said, citing widespread support for the ceasefire accord and the outcomes of the recent GBC meeting.

Cambodia reaffirmed its commitment to resolving disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law, the UN Charter, and the ASEAN Charter. “We remain determined to work constructively, in good faith, and in close cooperation with Thailand and all relevant partners,” Socheata concluded.