Cambodia marks one month of ceasefire with Thailand, insists truce is not surrender

PHNOM PENH, 28 January 2026 (KPT) – One month after a ceasefire with Thailand came into effect, Cambodia reaffirmed its commitment to peace while stressing that the truce does not compromise its sovereignty.

Government spokesman Pen Bona said the ceasefire, which began at noon on 27 December, has prevented further casualties and enabled the gradual return of displaced civilians.

In a national address on 29 December, Prime Minister Hun Manet underscored that the ceasefire should not be seen as a concession on sovereignty or territorial integrity.

“Choosing a ceasefire does not mean that Cambodia has surrendered,” Bona said, adding that the decision reflected a commitment to civilian protection and humanitarian recovery.

He emphasized that Cambodia retained its right to self-defence and to resolve border issues with Thailand through international law and bilateral mechanisms.

Bona noted that Cambodia has fully complied with the Joint Statement issued after the third special meeting of the General Border Committee on 27 December, as well as earlier agreements, including the Peace Agreement signed on 26 October.

Among the most significant outcomes, he cited the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers on 31 December. Authorities also reported that more than 80 percent of the 640,000 displaced people have returned home, while around 100,000 remain in temporary safety centres receiving government assistance.

The ceasefire has also allowed task forces to assess damage to civilian areas and infrastructure, with findings expected to guide urgent restoration measures.

Cambodia’s foreign ministry has organised visits for diplomats, international organisations and ASEAN observers to affected areas, aimed at providing first-hand verification of damage caused by shelling and bombing.

At the diplomatic level, Bona said Cambodia continues to monitor developments along the border and has lodged formal protests over actions it believes could alter the security situation.

Through the Secretariat of Border Affairs, Cambodia has urged Thailand to adhere to Point 3 of the Joint Statement, which affirms that the ceasefire does not affect existing border demarcation and calls for the Joint Boundary Commission to resume surveying and demarcation work.

The government reiterated that it will respect the ceasefire while maintaining its position on the Cambodia–Thailand border, stressing that it does not recognise any changes resulting from the use of force and will continue to rely on international law, historical treaties and agreed boundary documents.