Cambodia, Thailand Advance Joint Weapons Removal Under ASEAN Oversight

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Nov. 8, 2025) — Cambodia and Thailand continued joint efforts to remove heavy and destructive weapons from their shared border, implementing the second stage of Phase 1 of a bilateral disarmament plan Saturday evening.

The operation took place in Chong Kal district, Oddar Meanchey province, under an agreement signed Oct. 31 by Lt. Gen. Pov Heng, commander of Cambodia’s Military Region 4, and Maj. Gen. Virakyuth Raksing, commander of Thailand’s 2nd Army Area.
Thailand conducted its corresponding removal under the observation of the ASEAN Observer Team.

The phased disarmament reflects both nations’ commitment to the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration signed Oct. 26, and the outcomes of the second Special Meeting of the Cambodia–Thailand General Border Committee held Oct. 23 in Malaysia.

Military Region 4 and Army Area 2 agreed to begin Phase 1 on Nov. 1, with activities scheduled through Nov. 21. Saturday’s operation marked the second week of implementation.

Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence expressed hope that both sides will continue to uphold the agreement with transparency and goodwill, contributing to peace, stability and development for future generations.
Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, ministry spokeswoman, issued the statement to inform the public and media.