The 3rd Senior Officials’ Talks (SOTs), co-chaired by H.E. Ung Rachana, Secretary of State at Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and H.E. NAMAZU Hiroyuki, Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, signaled a deepening of the “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”

Economic Co-Creation and Investment

The SOTs meeting focused heavily on the Economic Co-Creation Package launched in May 2025. Both sides pledged to accelerate this initiative to attract more Japanese investment into the Kingdom. This follows the high-profile visit of Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet to Japan earlier this year, which set a new trajectory for bilateral economic relations.

The Border Crisis: A Shared Call for Peace

A critical portion of the dialogue was dedicated to the escalating Cambodia-Thailand border conflict. Both ministries emphasized a unified stance on:

• The immediate cessation of hostilities.
• Prioritizing a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.
• The safe and urgent return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their homes.

During a courtesy call with H.E. Prak Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. NAMAZU Hiroyuki was briefed on Cambodia’s consistent position regarding the conflict, which has intensified since renewed fighting broke out on December 7, 2025.

The post Cambodia and Japan Strengthen Strategic Ties Amid Regional Border Tensions appeared first on អរគុណសន្តិភាព.

In the statement released on December 25, 2025, leaders and followers of all religious sects in the Kingdom addressed the global religious community, detailing two instances of “unprovoked, unjustified, and unlawful armed invasions” by the Thai military. The first occurred from July 24 to 28, 2025, and the second began on December 7, 2025, which the statement notes has continued without pause.

The joint declaration, representing Buddhist, Islamic, and Christian communities among others, stated:

“On behalf of the leaders and followers of all religious sects in the Kingdom of Cambodia, we call on the leaders and followers of all religious denominations around the world to join us in calling on the Thai side to immediately stop all aggressive invasions that threaten peace and stability in the region.”

The religious leaders further urged Thailand to “firmly and sincerely abide by the Joint Declaration on Peace Agreement” and fulfill all international legal obligations with genuine goodwill.

Despite the ongoing tensions, the statement reaffirmed that Cambodia remains steadfast in its commitment to resolving the conflict through peaceful dialogue, diplomatic channels, and in accordance with international law.

The post Cambodian Religious Leaders Issue Joint Statement Condemning Thai Military Invasions appeared first on អរគុណសន្តិភាព.

Working Together for Peace

During a press conference in Phnom Penh, spokesperson Nong Sakal highlighted that ASEAN is a powerful tool for helping neighbor countries solve problems fairly. He emphasized that disputes should always be settled through talk and international rules, rather than through threats or violence.

Progress at the Border

Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn reported that progress is already being made. Key steps include:

• Moving heavy weapons away from the borders.
• Clearing landmines to make the area safer for people.
• Working together to clearly mark the border lines between the two countries.

The Plan Moving Forward

To keep the peace, the Foreign Minister asked other countries to support several urgent steps:

1. Stop all fighting immediately (as of late December 22).
2. Follow previous agreements and ceasefires that both sides already signed.
3. Move soldiers back to where they were before the conflict started.
4. Help families return home safely so they can get back to their normal lives.

A Focus on People and Fairness

Minister Sokhonn insisted that any disagreements about borders must be handled through peaceful discussion and official international laws. He also made an urgent plea for the immediate release of 18 Cambodian soldiers who are currently being held.

The meeting ended with praise for Malaysia, the United States, and China for their help in keeping the peace. Leaders are now urging both sides to stick to their promises and return to the peace plans they agreed upon earlier this year.

The post Cambodia Pushes for Lasting Peace at Regional Meeting appeared first on អរគុណសន្តិភាព.

As of 3:30 PM, the offensive has intensified into a full-scale bombardment of the Boeung Trakuon, Chok Chey, and Prey Chan battlefields in Ou Bei Choan Commune, Ou Chrove District. International observers and local authorities describe the ongoing strikes as a clear manifestation of Thailand’s territorial ambitions, carried out with a total disregard for international humanitarian law.

Deliberate Attacks on Civilian and Economic Targets

The military aggression, which began earlier this afternoon around 2:00 PM, has not been limited to military outposts. Projectiles have struck:

• Stung Bat, Poipet City: A critical economic zone and transit point for trade.
• Chok Chey and Prey Chan Villages: Residential areas where innocent families have been forced to flee from heavy shelling.
• Boeung Trakuon Zone: A region now under intense fire as Thai forces attempt to seize Cambodian soil.

Cambodia Exercises Legitimate Right to Self-Defense

In the face of this persistent “territorial hunger,” the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) have been compelled to respond with force to protect the nation’s territorial integrity. To neutralize enemy battery positions and halt the advancement of invading troops, Cambodian units have deployed BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher systems, returning fire with precision to safeguard the sovereign borders of the Kingdom.

Emergency Measures and Public Safety

The Banteay Meanchey Provincial Administration has declared a state of emergency for the affected areas. To protect lives from the indiscriminate Thai shelling, the following measures are in effect:

• National Road 5 Closure: Traffic is strictly prohibited from the Phsar Kandal area to the Route 58 roundabout (Kon Damrei zone).
• Civilian Evacuation: Authorities are assisting residents in Poipet City and Ou Chrove District to move to secure shelters as the shelling continues without sign of abatement.

A Call for International Condemnation

The Cambodian government maintains that these acts constitute a manifest act of war and a violation of the UN Charter. By targeting residential villages and economic infrastructure, the Thai military is committing acts of aggression that threaten regional peace. Cambodia calls upon the international community to witness this violation of its sovereignty and hold the aggressors accountable.

Source: Fresh News

The post Thai Forces Launch Massive Artillery Barrage on Cambodian Civilian Zones; RCAF Returns Fire to Protect Sovereignty appeared first on អរគុណសន្តិភាព.

On Saturday, a spokesperson for the White House confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump is closely watching the conflict between Cambodia and Thailand. President Trump expressed a strong hope that all countries involved will keep their promise to stop fighting.

Crucially, the White House issued a clear warning: President Trump stated he would “seek accountability”—meaning he will find out who is responsible—if the fighting does not stop and a lasting peace cannot be secured. This information was reported by Reuters news agency.

The Ceasefire Claim and Conflicting Responses

The situation became confusing after President Trump’s announcement on Friday:

• Trump’s Announcement: President Trump had earlier claimed he spoke with both Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, and that both leaders agreed to an immediate halt to the fighting.
• Malaysia’s Push: Adding to the diplomatic pressure, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also urged both nations on Saturday to accept a ceasefire starting that night at 10:00 PM.

However, the actions of the leaders revealed a split:

Despite President Trump’s announcement and Malaysia’s mediation efforts, the Thai Prime Minister’s decision to continue military action shows that the declared ceasefire has not been accepted or put into effect by both sides.

The post President Trump Vows to Find Who’s to Blame as Thailand-Cambodia Conflict Continues appeared first on អរគុណសន្តិភាព.

In light of the renewed tension along the Cambodia-Thailand border, which has negatively impacted the lives and livelihoods of the people, the Association of Banks in Cambodia (ABC) and the Cambodia Microfinance Association (CMA) wish to inform the public that both associations will continue to implement the relief measures originally issued by the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) on July 30, 2025.

The two associations are fully prepared and ready to comply with any further directives from the National Bank of Cambodia and the Royal Government of Cambodia.

Commitment to Solidarity and Humanitarian Support

In a spirit of solidarity and humanity, and in a bid to ease the financial burden on those most affected by the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict, all member institutions—including commercial banks, microfinance institutions, and other financial institutions—are committed to providing assistance to affected customers through the aforementioned measures.

READ MORE: National Bank of Cambodia Announces Major Financial Relief for Border Conflict Military Personnel

The measures are specifically aimed at supporting:

1. Military Personnel: Easing the financial burden on soldiers who are directly engaged in combat operations on the battlefield.
2. Civilians: Providing relief to citizens who are directly impacted by the border conflict, including those displaced.

All member financial institutions pledge to cooperate fully in facilitating relief for affected customers in line with the established regulations.

The post Banking and Microfinance Sectors Continue Financial Relief Measures for People Affected by Cambodia-Thailand Border Conflict appeared first on អរគុណសន្តិភាព.

The clarification was prompted by negative comments from some Thai individuals who accused Hun Sen of trying to “slander Thailand,” the host of the 2025 SEA Games, and insulted Cambodia’s financial integrity.

Refuting Claims of ‘Chinese Money’ and ‘Poor Country’ Insults

Samdech Techo Hun Sen stressed that he would never compare Cambodia with other nations. He noted that some Thai individuals claimed Thailand is a rich country while scornfully describing Cambodia as a poor country.

The most shocking claim he addressed was the accusation that Cambodia hosted the SEA Games using only “Chinese money.”

Stadium Gift vs. Operational Costs: The Key Distinction

Hun Sen made a key distinction regarding funding:

• Chinese Assistance: He confirmed that Chinese friends, led by President Xi Jinping, generously built the Morodok Techo Stadium, a venue crucial for the Games. He publicly thanked China for this valuable sports complex that Cambodia will use for generations.
• Operational Costs: However, he emphasized that for the actual competition expenses—including logistics, organizing, and venues—Cambodia did not use a single cent of Chinese or foreign money. He confirmed the historic Olympic Stadium, built in the 1960s, was also used for matches.

Prudent Financial Management: How Cambodia Spent $118 Million

Hun Sen detailed the careful financial strategy behind the Games, crediting the Organizing Committee led by Samdech Tea Banh and DPM Aun Pornmoniroth for “thrifty” and reliable budget management.

• Budget Planning: To avoid suspending other investment projects, Cambodia funded the event using the annual budget from 2018 to 2022 (nearly $50 million) and an additional $150 million planned in the 2023 budget law, totaling a planned $200 million.
• Thrifty Spending & Solidarity: With excellent management, Cambodia only spent $118 million. This figure covered hosting sports, foreign athletes’ accommodation, and food. He confirmed that the decision to cover all friends’ costs (about $12 million) was Cambodia’s initiative to strengthen ASEAN solidarity through sports, proving Cambodia is “poor in resources, but not poor in heart.”

A Call for Mutual Respect

Samdech Techo Hun Sen concluded by asking the Thai public to retract the insulting phrase about “Chinese money,” arguing that it disrespects Cambodia and insults the Chinese superpower. He wished Thailand success in hosting the 2025 SEA Games and affirmed his right to respond to protect Cambodian dignity.

The post Samdech Techo Hun Sen Defends Cambodia’s 2023 SEA Games Funding Against Thai Allegations appeared first on អរគុណសន្តិភាព.

Forced to Flee

Thousands of families from two villages, Prey Chan and Chouk Chey (in Banteay Meanchey province), had to run for safety after a serious cross-border attack by Thai soldiers on November 12, 2025. This attack caused injuries and forced many people to leave, stopping the schooling of thousands of children.

Government’s Quick Response

Under the watchful and caring eyes of Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet and Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Abhisantibindit Sar Sokha, efforts are quickly moving forward to make sure these displaced children can resume their studies.

During a visit on November 19th, H.E. Oum Reatrey, the Provincial Governor of Banteay Meanchey, visited the temporary safety center set up at Chan Sy Samaki Ratanaram pagoda. He stressed that safeguarding the education of these children is the government’s highest concern.

He emphasized that the commitment from the top leaders goes beyond just providing food and safety; it shows a deep concern for the long-term future of Cambodia’s youth.

Setting Up a New School

To make sure learning continues smoothly, a temporary school facility has been quickly set up right inside the Chan Sy Samaki Ratanaram safety center.

Governor Oum Reatrey urged all parents and guardians to register their children for primary school immediately. To keep things familiar for the students, teachers from their home village (Prey Chan) have been brought to the temporary site.

In addition to giving out necessary school supplies, the Governor said that officials are working to provide school uniforms, ensuring the students can attend classes properly.

A Grateful Community

These combined efforts show that the government is providing full support (both physical supplies and moral encouragement) to prevent the conflict from derailing children’s education.

The thousands of families taking shelter at the center expressed deep thanks for the warm support and coordinated help from the government and local officials.

One person staying at the center shared emotionally: “We are truly grateful to everyone who has helped us—from shelter and food to security. What means even more is the support for our children to continue their education right here in the safety center. We no longer worry about their future.”

This initiative confirms Prime Minister Hun Manet’s forward-thinking leadership and the government’s strong promise to ensure that no Cambodian child is left behind—even during a crisis.

The post Cambodia Puts Displaced Children’s Education First appeared first on អរគុណសន្តិភាព.

Speaking in Phnom Penh, Mr. Hun Sen called the situation a very serious humanitarian issue. He stressed that these soldiers “sacrificed for the nation” from the instant they were taken away.

He believes it was clear from the very beginning that the detained soldiers were being held to be used in political negotiations.

“From the first hours of their detention, it was clear they would be used for some kind of exchange,” he said. “From that moment, I regarded our brothers as martyrs, because their capture would certainly be linked to political conditions.”

The Senate President also questioned the silence of the UN Special Rapporteur for human rights in Cambodia, Vitit Muntarbhorn, who is Thai.

“Where is international law in this world? The Special Rapporteur has not said a single word,” he noted.

Mr. Hun Sen added that Thailand’s failure to release the soldiers, even after promising to do so on November 12, proves that the detentions are politically motivated.

He concluded: “This decision made it clear—they are connecting them to border issues and may keep using them in the future,” while showing his full support for the families of the soldiers being held.

The post The Case of Detained Cambodian Soldiers appeared first on អរគុណសន្តិភាព.

Speaking at the opening of the 33rd National Congress of Buddhist Monks in Phnom Penh, he sent a direct message:

“I want to tell both the Thai military and government leaders that Cambodia will not humble itself to ask Thailand to reopen the border. We did not close it; you did. The decision is in your hands. Cambodia is not asking you to open it.”

Mr. Hun Sen explained that instead of waiting, Cambodia needs to focus on strengthening its own manufacturing and finding different places to get the supplies it needs.

At the same time, he urged Cambodian people not to let extreme nationalism lead them to stop buying Thai products that are actually made by Thai businesses operating inside Cambodia. He warned that boycotting these goods could cause harm.

The Senate President agreed that both Cambodia and Thailand are currently losing out because of the border issues. However, he noted that Cambodia is less affected because it buys much more from Thailand than it sells to them.

He concluded by putting the situation in perspective: “The area we are arguing over is very small compared to the vast peaceful land we share, yet we worry about everything. Please think clearly—once things are peaceful again, we will have good neighborly relations again. Many ways to solve this are already set up, and we should let the experts deal with the problem.”

The post Cambodia’s Position on the Border with Thailand appeared first on អរគុណសន្តិភាព.