Cambodia Reports Calm Along Border, Urges Thailand to Release Detained Soldiers

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Aug. 19, 2025) — Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense reported continued stability along the border with Thailand early Tuesday, while renewing calls for the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers detained by Thai forces in late July.

At a 7 a.m. press briefing, Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, spokesperson for the Ministry, said the situation in Military Regions 4 and 5—covering Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, and Banteay Meanchey provinces—remained calm between midnight and 6 a.m. Cambodian forces remain fully deployed and vigilant.

Socheata reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to the ceasefire agreement reached on July 28 and the 13-point consensus adopted at the Aug. 7 Extraordinary Meeting of the Cambodia–Thailand General Border Committee (GBC), which was observed by Malaysia, the United States, and China.

The Ministry also reiterated its demand for the return of 18 Cambodian military personnel, who were reportedly arrested by Thai soldiers on July 29—just hours after the ceasefire took effect. As of Tuesday morning, their detention had lasted 20 days, 23 hours, and 10 minutes.

“The Royal Government, Armed Forces, and Cambodian people stand united in defending our territory, dignity, and sovereignty,” Socheata said. “We will never abandon our soldiers.”

Officials said full implementation of the ceasefire by both sides would create a favorable atmosphere for restoring peace, stability, and normalcy in bilateral relations. Cambodia has received widespread international support for the agreement and the outcomes of the GBC meeting.

Socheata added that Cambodia remains committed to working constructively with Thailand, Malaysia, ASEAN member states, and partners including the United States and China to ensure peaceful dispute resolution in accordance with international law, the UN Charter, and the ASEAN Charter.

She also noted positive developments since the ceasefire took effect, including the Aug. 7 GBC meeting and the Aug. 16 Regional Border Committee (RBC) meeting, where both sides agreed to establish a Coordinating Group to improve communication and prevent future clashes.

The Ministry announced that daily press briefings on the ceasefire’s implementation will now be held twice a day—at 7 a.m. and 4 p.m.