4:00PM, August 3, 2025
Keynote Address by H.E. LTG. Maly Socheata, the Ministry of National Defense Spokesperson:
On August 3, 2025, the interim ASEAN Military Observer Group, comprising representatives from six countries—Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam—departed from Phnom Penh for Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces. These areas have been affected by recent armed clashes between Cambodian and Thai forces. The mission is led by Colonel Nazlee Bin Abdul Rahim, the Malaysian Defence Attaché to Cambodia. The purpose of this two-week mission is to monitor the implementation of the ceasefire on the ground. This activity follows the outcome of the special meeting held on July 28, 2025, in Malaysia, which resulted in a mutual agreement on the ceasefire between the two sides.
The participation of these partner countries reflects a shared commitment to ensuring the success and sustainability of the ceasefire, with the ultimate goal of restoring peace, stability, cooperation, and development for the people of both nations.
As of now, 18 Cambodian military personnel remain in Thai custody following their capture at 7:50 AM on July 29, 2025. While two wounded personnel were returned to Cambodia on August 1, 2025, the remaining individuals have yet to be released.
The Royal Government of Cambodia continues to call on the Thai side to promptly repatriate the remaining personnel in accordance with international humanitarian law. Cambodia remains actively engaged in serious negotiations to resolve this matter and has formally requested Malaysia, in its capacity as ASEAN Chair, to mediate and press the Thai authorities to expedite their return. The Ministry of National Defence and the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces firmly reaffirm that we will never abandon any of our military personnel under any circumstances.
