Cambodia Briefs Diplomats on Border Tensions, Urges Thailand to Honor Ceasefire

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Aug. 18, 2025) — Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Eat Sophea briefed members of the diplomatic corps and United Nations agencies on Friday about escalating tensions along the Cambodia–Thailand border, calling for urgent regional action to uphold a fragile ceasefire.

The briefing, held in Phnom Penh, provided updates on the Special Meeting convened in Putrajaya, Malaysia, on July 28, which resulted in a ceasefire agreement between Cambodian and Thai forces. Sophea also reported progress from the Aug. 7 Extraordinary Meeting of the Cambodia–Thailand General Border Committee (GBC), where both sides agreed to initial steps toward restoring normalcy.

Sophea expressed deep concern over continued Thai military activity, including troop movements, trench and road construction, drone incursions, home demolitions, and the installation of barbed wire barriers that have obstructed Cambodian villagers from accessing their homes.

Reaffirming Cambodia’s commitment to the ceasefire, Sophea urged Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair, and other partners to expedite the formation of the ASEAN Observers Team (AOT) by finalizing its Terms of Reference. She thanked Malaysia for its proactive role and emphasized that no international border should be altered by force.

The Acting Minister categorically rejected allegations that Cambodia had planted new landmines, citing the country’s adherence to the Ottawa Convention. She reiterated Cambodia’s readiness to conduct joint demining operations with Thailand in clearly demarcated areas, while stressing that disputed zones require full implementation of the ceasefire and GBC Agreed Minutes before any clearance work can begin.

Sophea also highlighted the outcome of a trilateral “Tea Chat” meeting held on Aug. 14 in Anning, Yunnan Province, China, on the sidelines of the Mekong–Lancang Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Cambodia and Thailand reaffirmed their commitment to improving communication and restoring stability. Sophea thanked China for convening the dialogue and supporting demining efforts in agreed border areas.

This marks the third official briefing by Cambodia’s Foreign Ministry to the diplomatic community on the evolving border situation.