(Phnom Penh): Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, Spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defence, reiterated one of the 13 commitments adopted at the recent Cambodia–Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) meeting, namely the agreement by both sides not to disseminate false information. Cambodia, the spokesperson stressed, has strictly adhered to this principle by neither spreading nor supporting disinformation.

Maly Socheata spoke on Thursday (Aug. 21) at a press briefing on the implementation of the Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire.

“Cambodia absolutely does not support the dissemination of false information, sharing, or producing any fake news. Such actions not only do not ease tensions, nor do they reduce negative impacts on public sentiment, but also do not create a conducive environment for peaceful dialogue,” the spokesperson underscored.

The spokesperson also reiterated Cambodia’s continued demand that Thailand honour the agreement by returning 18 Cambodian soldiers unlawfully detained after the ceasefire, who have now been held for 21 days. She stressed that the Ministry of National Defence, the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, and the international community will keep pressing until Thailand complies with international law and returns the soldiers to Cambodia.

She added that the Royal Government, the armed forces, and the Cambodian people stand united in defending the nation’s territory, dignity, and sovereignty. Full implementation of the ceasefire by both sides will create a favourable atmosphere for restoring peace, stability, and normalcy to the relationship between our two countries.

Socheata stressed that Cambodia will continue to work constructively with Thailand, Malaysia, ASEAN members, and relevant partners to fully implement the ceasefire and resolve disputes peacefully under international law, the UN Charter, and the ASEAN Charter.

Since the ceasefire officially took effect at midnight on July 28, 2025, it has been observed that there has been positive development through bilateral discussions between the two countries. Such notable developments include the extraordinary GBC meeting on 7 August 2025 in Malaysia and the extraordinary RBC meeting on 16 August 2025, the spokesperson underscored.

She added that it is essential for both parties to continue fostering these positive developments in order to promote peace and stability, especially to restore normalcy in both countries and relationship across all sectors, for the benefit of both nations’ peoples.
=FRESH NEWS