RGC Calls on Thailand to Uphold Commitments Under Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration

RGC Calls on Thailand to Uphold Commitments Under Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration

Phnom Penh, November 5, 2025 – The Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) has reaffirmed its full commitment to the implementation of the Cambodia–Thailand Joint Declaration, signed in Kuala Lumpur on October 26, 2025, under the facilitation of Malaysian Prime Minister H.E. Anwar Ibrahim in his capacity as ASEAN Chair, and witnessed by U.S. President Donald J. Trump.

According to the Royal Government Spokesperson, since the signing of the Joint Declaration, Cambodia has been faithfully adhering to all agreed points and taking concrete steps to ensure the de-escalation of tensions and the promotion of peace and stability along the border.

Immediately following the signing ceremony, both sides commenced the partial removal of heavy and destructive weapons from the border areas as a symbolic gesture of goodwill on the night of October 26, 2025, under the supervision of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT). Subsequently, Cambodia and Thailand launched a phased withdrawal process beginning on November 1, 2025.

Beyond the military aspect, both sides are also advancing discussions and cooperation in combating transnational crimes, including cybercrime, human trafficking, and humanitarian demining, among others. The Spokesperson underlined that Cambodia has consistently acted with sincerity and high restraint, creating an environment conducive to the effective implementation of the Joint Declaration and to broader regional peace within ASEAN.

However, the Royal Government has expressed deep concern over recent statements made by Thai high-ranking civilian and military officials, which are not in line with the spirit and terms of the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration.

The Spokesperson pointed out that certain Thai officials have linked the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers—currently detained by the Thai military—to conditions unrelated to the agreement, and have introduced new pretexts, including the issue of Ta Krabei Temple, even threatening the use of military force. Such actions and rhetoric, the statement notes, risk undermining mutual trust and escalating tensions, in direct violation of the Joint Declaration’s principles.

The Spokesperson emphasized that Point 4 of the Joint Declaration clearly requires both parties to “refrain from disseminating or promoting false information, accusations, allegations, and harmful rhetoric” in order to foster an atmosphere conducive to peaceful dialogue and de-escalation.

Furthermore, as of November 5, 2025, ten days after the Joint Declaration was signed, Thailand has yet to release the 18 detained Cambodian soldiers, contradicting Point 5 of the agreement, which commits Thailand to “promptly release the prisoners of war” as a demonstration of goodwill and adherence to international humanitarian principles.

The Royal Government Spokesperson therefore urges Thailand to fully respect and implement all provisions of the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration in sincerity and good faith, and to refrain from provocative or misleading statements that may endanger the fragile progress achieved so far.

Cambodia reiterates its commitment to peaceful dialogue, mutual trust, and regional stability, and calls upon Thailand to cease introducing new conditions beyond the framework of the Joint Declaration and previously agreed understandings.

The statement concluded by reaffirming that the faithful and genuine implementation of the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration serves the mutual benefit of both countries and contributes to the maintenance of peace, stability, and cooperation across the ASEAN region.