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Cambodia Accuses Thailand of Violating Joint Declaration, Urges Release of Captured Soldiers

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PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Nov.07,2025) — The Cambodian government on Thursday accused Thai officials of undermining a recent bilateral agreement aimed at easing tensions along the border and called for the immediate release of 18 Cambodian soldiers held by Thai forces.

H.E. Pen Bona, Spokesperson for the Royal Government of Cambodia

In a statement issued by the Royal Government Spokesperson, Cambodia said it has fully respected and implemented the terms of the Joint Declaration signed with Thailand on Oct. 26 in Kuala Lumpur. The agreement was witnessed by U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who currently chairs ASEAN.

Following the signing, both countries began a phased removal of heavy weapons from border areas, starting with a symbolic demonstration on the night of Oct. 26 under the supervision of the ASEAN Observer Team. The full withdrawal began Nov. 1.

Cambodia said it has also been cooperating with Thailand on broader regional issues, including cybercrime, human trafficking, and humanitarian demining. The statement emphasized Cambodia’s commitment to peace and restraint in line with the declaration.

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet and U.S. President Donald Trump hold up documents after the ceremonial signing of a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia on the sidelines of the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, October 26, 2025. Mohd Rasfan/Pool via REUTERS

However, the spokesperson said recent remarks by Thai civilian and military officials have violated the spirit of the agreement. Specifically, Cambodia accused Thailand of using the declaration as leverage to delay the release of the 18 soldiers and of introducing new conditions, including threats to seize the disputed Ta Krabei Temple.

“These actions contradict Point 4 of the Joint Declaration, which calls on both parties to refrain from harmful rhetoric and false information,” the statement said.

Cambodia also cited Point 5 of the agreement, which commits Thailand to promptly release prisoners of war as a gesture of goodwill.

The Cambodian government urged Thailand to honor the declaration in full and avoid provocative statements or actions that could derail peaceful dialogue and mutual trust.

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