Cambodia Begins First-Phase Withdrawal of Heavy Weapons as Symbol of Cambodia–Thailand Peace Efforts
Cambodia Begins First-Phase Withdrawal of Heavy Weapons as Symbol of Cambodia–Thailand Peace Efforts
Phnom Penh, 26 October 2025 – Cambodia has commenced the withdrawal and adjustment of part of its heavy weapons and military equipment as the first symbolic step under the Cambodia–Thailand peace process, carried out under the observation of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) at around 9:00 p.m. on 26 October 2025, according to the National Television of Cambodia (TVK).
The symbolic withdrawal operation took place in Thomacheat Village, Sror Aem Commune, Choam Ksant District, Preah Vihear Province, and was simultaneously conducted by both Cambodia and Thailand. This significant development follows the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration on the Cambodia–Thailand Peace Agreement, attended by H.E. Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and H.E. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, with the witness of H.E. Donald J. Trump, President of the United States of America, and H.E. Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, earlier the same day in Kuala Lumpur.
Spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defence, H.E. Ms. Maly Socheata, affirmed that Cambodia’s withdrawal of part of its heavy weaponry demonstrates the country’s goodwill, sincerity, and unwavering determination to implement the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration on Peace between Cambodia and Thailand, witnessed by President Donald J. Trump and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
“Following the signing of the Joint Declaration in the morning, both sides began the withdrawal and adjustment of part of their heavy weaponry at around 9:00 p.m. on 26 October 2025, as a symbolic gesture of their firm commitment to the full implementation of the Declaration,”
said the Defence Ministry Spokesperson in an official statement released on the evening of the same day.
Ms. Socheata further emphasized that Cambodia firmly believes this positive step will contribute to the joint efforts of both nations to promote peace, stability, and a swift return to normalcy. She reaffirmed Cambodia’s steadfast commitment to fully and effectively implementing the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration, while continuing to work closely with Thailand for the mutual benefit of both nations and their peoples for generations to come.
It should be recalled that Point 4 of the Eight-Point Joint Declaration on the Cambodia–Thailand Peace Agreement stipulates both parties’ commitment to reducing tensions, restoring mutual trust, and rebuilding relations for reciprocal benefit. To achieve these objectives, the two sides agreed to take concrete measures to ensure the full and effective implementation of the ceasefire and to restore peace, security, and stability along the border.
Under this provision, both sides agreed to carry out a gradual de-escalation of military tension under AOT’s observation and verification, including the withdrawal of heavy and destructive weapons and equipment from the border areas and their return to original military bases. In this regard, both sides will establish respective working groups to discuss and finalize an action plan to be implemented step by step under the interim observation of the Interim Observer Team (IOT), and subsequently under the AOT mechanism once formally established following the signing of the Terms of Reference.
