The Cambodian public has expressed it gratitude to Malaysia, as ASEAN chair, as well as the US and China, for their roles in securing the ceasefire agreement that was reached today, August 7, with both sides agreed to halt all attacks. “These three nations continue to support the full and effective implementation of the ceasefire, reinforcing international confidence in the path of peace,” said Kin Phea, director of the International Relations Institute at Royal Academy of Cambodia. “Cambodia, a peace-loving nation with an unwavering commitment to international harmony, has fully and sincerely implemented the ceasefire agreement. We remain steadfast in…
Author: Niem Chheng
Cambodia and Thailand reached detailed terms of a ceasefire agreement during the four-day General Border Committee (GBC) Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which ended today, August 7, under the eyes of the US, China and Malaysia. Under the agreement, signed by Cambodian Minister of National Defence Tea Seiha and Thai acting defence minister Nattaphon Narkphanit, both countries agree to a ceasefire involving all types of weapons, including attacks on civilians and civilian objects and military objectives of either side, in all cases and all areas. Both sides must avoid unprovoked firing towards the other side’s positions or troops. This agreement…
The extraordinary meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) has concluded, with both sides agreeing on terms for the implementation of the ceasefire and enhancing communication between their respective militaries, said Prime Minister Hun Manet. The prime minister announced that they agreed to expedite the establishment of operational conditions for a monitoring mechanism to oversee the ceasefire, involving an ASEAN Observer Team (AOT). They also agreed to establish a temporary Interim Observer Team, led by a Malaysian military attaché, to immediately monitor the situation while the AOT is organised. “Following the extraordinary GBC meeting, both parties also agreed to…
The US has shared their hopes for a successful conclusion to today’s extraordinary General Border Committee (GBC) meeting, taking place in Malaysia. It pledged to provide technical support for the implementation of a permanent ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, including through monitoring. Minister of National Defence Tea Seiha met with Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the US Indo-Pacific forces, and Edgard Kagan, US ambassador to Malaysia on August 6, on the eve of the GBC meeting. “The two US representatives officials emphasised their commitment to the implementation of a monitored ceasefire, to ensure its success and effectiveness. The US pledged…
The Ministry of National Defence has categorically dismissed Thai accusations that a Cambodian national who was arrested in Thailand was acting as a spy for the Bodyguard Headquarters (BHQ) of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces. In the afternoon press briefing, ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata firmly rejected what she called ‘baseless propaganda, unfounded accusations and deliberate fabrication’ as lacking evidence or a thorough investigation. “This was instigated by certain Thai media outlets with the apparent intention of slandering Cambodia,” she said. Thai media outlet Khaosod English reported that a Cambodian national was arrested today, August 6, at the home of his…
After meeting with 18 Cambodian soldiers detained by Thai authorities on August 5, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) stated that it cannot and will not disclose its findings or observations from the visit. The ICRC in Thailand explained its position in an August 5 social media post. “This principle is the foundation of our work, crucial for ensuring the safety of the people we assist, our staff and the continued access we need to fulfil our mission,” it said. The ICRC, as an independent and impartial organisation, emphasised that its work in detention facilities is guided by…
The Ministry of National Defence has provided updates on activities which have seen Thai armed forces violate the current ceasefire and encroach on Cambodian territory since yesterday, August 4. In today’s update of the current situation at the border, the ministry noted that despite the ceasefire, the Thai military continues to dig trenches on Cambodian soil at the An Ses area, in Choam Khsant district, Preah Vihear province. “At 9.09am on August 5, Thai machinery continued to excavate soil. At 9.50am, a Thai vehicle delivered concrete trenching materials, including tires and pre-made culverts, and unloaded them in front of their…
Cambodia is actively exploring means to bring the 18 soldiers detained by Thailand home. The government is currently pursuing both bilateral negotiations with Thai authorities and international mechanisms to ensure their swift and safe return. As of now, it has been a week since 21 Cambodian soldiers were captured by Thai forces on Cambodian sovereign territory, in violation of the July 28 ceasefire agreement. One body has been returned, along with two injured soldiers. On August 4, Prime Minister Hun Manet explained that the Cambodian government is continuing to monitor the safety of the detained soldiers closely and is taking…
As of 9pm tonight, the Ministry of National Defence reported that the border situation remained calm, but noted that all forces remain on high alert. It urged people to be wary of “fake news” and assured the public that it would keep them informed. The update followed earlier warnings that the Thai armed forces were likely to launch another attack along the border, starting from the Ta Mone Thom, Ta Krabey and Preah Vihear temples, up to the Anseh area. The ministry informed the public and the international community earlier this evening that according to information they received at 10.49am…
Prominent Cambodian lawmaker Suos Yara visited a refugee centre at a Buddhist temple in Sotr Nikum district, Siem Reap province on August 2, offering support to hundreds of children displaced by recent cross-border conflicts. Approximately 200,000 individuals, including children from Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces, were forced from their homes by the fighting, with much of the civilian infrastructure destroyed. Yara met with the refugees at Wat Banteay Srei as part of a two-day diplomatic mission to Oddar Meanchey and Siem Reap province. He c accompanied foreign minister Prak Sokhonn and several foreign diplomats. The tour came…