Many Foreign Military Attaché Delegations Visit Cambodia’s Northern Border to Monitor Ceasefire — A Call for Thailand to Respect Peace and Restore Regional Stability
Many Foreign Military Attaché Delegations Visit Cambodia’s Northern Border to Monitor Ceasefire — A Call for Thailand to Respect Peace and Restore Regional Stability
In a powerful demonstration of international support and oversight, many delegations of foreign military attachés accredited to Cambodia have recently visited the provinces of Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey. These missions conducted critical on-site inspections of the security situation along Cambodia’s northern border and evaluated conditions at refugee locations displaced by recent conflict.
Representatives came from countries across the globe, including Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, China, France, Japan, South Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, Myanmar and Vietnam. Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, spokesperson for Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence, confirmed that senior officers of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) accompanied these delegations to facilitate thorough and transparent inspections.
These visits come in the wake of the ceasefire agreement signed between Cambodia and Thailand on July 28, 2025 — a landmark achievement offering hope for lasting peace after years of tension. The international presence here underscores a shared commitment to uphold Cambodia’s sovereignty and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
Yet, troubling developments continue. Despite the ceasefire, 18 Cambodian personnel captured by Thai forces one day after the agreement remain in detention 12 days later. Cambodia has repeatedly demanded their immediate release, consistent with international humanitarian law, and the global community supports these calls.
Cambodia’s message to the world—and to Thailand—is clear and unwavering: it will never abandon its people or compromise its principles. The Royal Government reaffirms its unconditional commitment to implementing the ceasefire agreement and to the spirit of unity fostered during the Extraordinary Meeting of the Cambodia–Thailand General Border Committee on August 7, 2025.
We now call on Thailand to fully respect this ceasefire agreement and uphold its obligations under international law, specially 13 agreed minutes signed at the Extraordinary GBC meeting on 7 August 2025 in Malaysia. The dignity of a nation lies not in military provocations or aggressive posturing but in its ability to pursue peace, stability, and cooperation with neighbors. Continued provocations only undermine regional security and the prospects for reconciliation.
The visits of these foreign military attaché delegations serve not only as vital confidence-building measures but also as a clear signal: the international community is watching closely, and peace along the Cambodia-Thailand border is a collective responsibility.
Cambodia remains steadfast in its pursuit of peace, justice, and prosperity for its border communities, with the unwavering support of its international partners. We urge Thailand to join us on this path — not as a provocateur, but as a responsible neighbor dedicated to regional harmony.
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Roth Santepheap is a geopolitical analyst based in Phnom Penh. The views expressed are his own.
