Afternoon Press Briefing: Keynote Address by H.E. LTG. Maly Socheata, the Ministry of National Defense Spokesperson:
8:30 AM, December 30, 2025
This morning, I would like to provide an update regarding the situation along the Cambodian-Thailand border. Following the ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand, which took effect at 12:00 noon on December 27, 2025, the situation in the 4th and 5th Military Regions remains calm as of 8:00 AM this morning.
Our military forces stand strong and are performing their duties with full vigilance in defending the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In the spirit of peaceful resolution within an international legal framework, and as a peace-loving country with the highest sense of responsibility, the Royal Government of Cambodia and the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces reaffirm our firm, sincere, and honest commitment to fully respecting all established agreements. This includes the Cambodia-Thailand Ceasefire Agreement of July 28, 2025; the Joint Declaration on the Cambodia-Thailand Peace Agreement of October 26, 2025; and the recent Joint Statement of the 3rd Special Meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC) signed on December 27, 2025. By consistently implementing these terms and other agreed documents, we aim to facilitate a rapid return to normalcy and ensure lasting security for the citizens living along our shared border.
Last night, on December 29, 2025, the Ministry of National Defence of Cambodia issued a press release to categorically reject the announcement made by the Thai side on December 29, 2025, claiming that it “detected more than 250 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) flying from Cambodia and violating Thailand’s sovereign territory.” The Ministry of National Defence of Cambodia completely refutes these accusations. We confirm that no such drone launches have occurred.
In addition, the Ministry of National Defence and provincial administrations—particularly those along the border—have issued strict instructions on the prohibition of the use of all types of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones) in the Kingdom of Cambodia to ensure the security, safety, public order, and social stability for our citizens and the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) during this tough period. The instructions read as follows:
1. Strictly prohibit the use of all types of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones) without permission in the capital and provinces, especially in border provinces, including Koh Kong, Pursat, Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear, and Pailin.
2. Any individual who violates this or uses a drone without permission from the Ministry of National Defence will face legal action as prescribed by law.
3. The High Command Headquarters, the Air Force Headquarters, and the Air Defence Headquarters, in cooperation with the Royal Gendarmerie and local authorities across the country, must increase vigilance and monitor the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) to ensure security, safety, public order, and social order. In necessary cases, armed forces units are authorized to respond, including the use of anti-drone systems.
Upon receiving this instruction, all institutions and units under the Ministry of National Defence, the High Command Headquarters of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, and capital-provincial administrations must disseminate this information widely and cooperate to implement it strictly and effectively.
