Cambodian Defence Minister Rejects Claims Phnom Penh Sought Ceasefire

Cambodia’s Minister of National Defence, General Tea Seiha, publicly denied reports circulating in the Thai media that Phnom Penh had formally requested a ceasefire with Thailand amid ongoing border tensions.

Speaking late Wednesday, Gen. Tea Seiha said that Cambodia did not ask for a ceasefire and rejected the characterization of Phnom Penh as the instigator of such negotiations. His comments came as diplomatic and military discussions continue under the framework of the General Border Committee (GBC), the mechanism used by both sides to manage the complex and volatile border situation.

The Defence Minister’s remarks were aimed at clarifying Cambodia’s position after reports implied a unilateral push for a cessation of hostilities. Instead, the Cambodian government has maintained that any move toward a ceasefire must be mutual, built on conditions that reflect developments on the ground, and should emerge from structured diplomatic engagement between both parties.

The GBC talks, which began recently, are intended to address not only the security situation but also humanitarian concerns arising from weeks of sustained clashes along the roughly 817-kilometre border. Both nations have suffered casualties and significant displacement as fighting has persisted despite previous attempts to pause hostilities.

Cambodia has reiterated its commitment to peaceful resolution through established channels, urging Thailand to engage in substantive dialogue rather than relying on media narratives. Likewise, Thai authorities have emphasized that a ceasefire should only follow clear de-escalation and specific security conditions.