Press Briefing by H.E. Chum Sounry– Update on the implementation of the immediate and unconditional ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand
Press Briefing by H.E. Chum Sounry– Update on the implementation of the immediate and unconditional ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand
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4:00 PM, August 28, 2025
Keynote Address by H.E. Chum Sounry, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC):
I would like to make the following clarification on certain allegations recently made by senior officers of the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
1. Accusation of using civilians as human shields Cambodia firmly rejects the allegation that Cambodia uses civilians as human shields. Such accusations are unfounded and misrepresent the reality on the ground, where Cambodian civilians have long resided and are in fact the victims of unilateral military action, including the laying of barbed wire and barricades that prevent them from accessing their homes and farmland.
2. Accusation of new mine planting
Cambodia has refuted this accusation many times and now reiterates once again that it has not laid new anti-personnel mines. As one of the most mine-affected countries in the world, Cambodia has no policy, rationale, or interest in the use of such dangerous weapons. Any tragic incidents that may occur are the result of remnants of mines from past decades of armed conflict, which continue to pose danger to civilians on both sides of the border.
3. Allegation of human rights violations Cambodia reaffirms its full adherence to the UN Charter and all core international human rights treaties, to which Cambodia is a state party. Cambodia categorically rejects allegations of violations and underscores that Cambodia has consistently worked in close cooperation with the United Nations system and international partners to strengthen the promotion and protection of human rights.
4. The importance of de-escalation
Cambodia underscores the importance of de-escalation and constructive engagement. In this regard, Cambodia remains committed to the ceasefire agreed in Putrajaya on 28 July 2025 and the extraordinary meeting of the General Border Committee in Kuala Lumpur on 7 August 2025. Cambodia reaffirms its commitment to peaceful settlement of differences, respect for international law, and the promotion of neighborly relations, which are due to ensuring stability and security along the Cambodia-Thailand border.
Thank you.
