(Phnom Penh): Pen Bona, Cambodian Delegate Minister and Chairman of the Royal Government Spokesperson Unit, said that the ceasefire initiative proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the Cambodia-Thailand conflict is a positive signal. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet hoped that Thailand will not reverse its position previously agreed upon during facilitation efforts with the Malaysian prime minister, and that it will be implemented swiftly.
Pen Bona explained that during a conversation on the night of 26 July 2025, between Samdech Thipadei and US President Donald Trump, Trump expressed that he did not want to see any fighting resulting in large numbers of casualties and injuries on both military and civilian sides. President Trump emphasised that he has consistently worked to mediate and resolve armed conflicts across many countries globally.
Concerning Thailand’s military aggression into Cambodian sovereign territory, Pen Bona quoted the US President as saying he wishes to see an immediate ceasefire and the restoration of peace between Cambodia and Thailand. In response, Prime Minister Hun Manet clearly affirmed Cambodia’s unconditional support for an immediate ceasefire between the two armies. Notably, the prime minister had previously affirmed this same position to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the rotating ASEAN Chair, on 24 July 2025.
Pen Bona spoke on Sunday (Jul. 27) during a press conference marking the fourth day of Thailand’s military aggression.
He reiterated that Prime Minister Hun Manet, as head of the Cambodian government, desires peace and does not wish for any armed confrontation with any country. The path of peace is the Cambodian government’s firm and unwavering stance.
“Prime Minister Hun Manet also conveyed that, following the conversation with US President Donald Trump, the US President contacted Phumtham Wechayachai, the Acting Prime Minister of Thailand, to make the same ceasefire proposal. President Trump later informed Premier Hun Manet that the Thai side had agreed to this proposal. This is good news for both militaries and the people of the two countries. Samdech Thipadei expressed hope that Thailand would not reverse its position as it did previously after its agreement with Anwar Ibrahim on 24 July 2025,” the delegate minister underscored.
In addition, Samdech Thipadei assigned Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn to continue efforts by engaging in discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to coordinate with the Thai side toward prompt implementation of the agreed-upon ceasefire. The goal is to prevent further loss of life and injury to soldiers and civilians on both sides.
Samdech Thipadei also extended his gratitude to President Donald Trump for initiating and facilitating this ceasefire and peace effort between Cambodia and Thailand. The positive outcome is expected to help protect the lives of both Cambodian and Thai troops and civilians, preventing unnecessary deaths or injuries. It will also allow hundreds of thousands of displaced people to return to their homes and resume their normal lives in peace and safety.
It should be noted that as of nearly 7:00 a.m. on Sunday (Jul. 27), the fighting had not stopped. Heavy clashes were still ongoing. At the Ta Moan Temple and Chub Korki frontlines, the invading Thai troops began shelling Cambodian territory starting from around 4:00 a.m., and continued up to nearly 7:00 a.m. It appears the Thai military aimed to gain ground before a ceasefire agreement was enforced, but failed due to the brave and resilient resistance of Cambodian forces who are fiercely defending the territory.
=FRESH NEWS
