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Through news, talk shows, and podcasts, we reach millions across platforms. We rely on donor support to sustain press freedom and public access to truth. The Cambodia Daily fights for press freedom in one of the world's most challenging media environments. We exist to hold power to account, amplify marginalized voices, and defend the public's right to know. Since 1993, we have been Cambodia's most

trusted independent news source, delivering fearless journalism that challenges authority and champions human rights. In a country where speaking truth to power carries real risks, we refuse to be silenced. Our founder, Bernard Krisher, was an American journalist and Holocaust survivor who understood that democracy dies in darkness. He established The Cambodia Daily following the Paris Peace Accords, determined to document Cambodia's journey from conflict towards hope. His vision was simple yet radical: that every Cambodian deserves access to truthful, independent journalism. In 2017, escalating government pressure forced us to abandon our Phnom Penh headquarters and relocate abroad, a painful reminder of how fragile press freedom remains across Southeast Asia. But exile has not dimmed our resolve. Operating from Washington DC with a network of brave contributors still working inside Cambodia, we continue to break stories that matter. Our 2.3 million monthly viewers and listeners, 90% of whom engage with our Khmer-language content, represent a community hungry for independent news. Through programs like Idea Talk, we create space for conversations the powerful would prefer to silence. We translate key investigations into English and Chinese because Cambodia's story deserves global attention. Corruption, environmental destruction, and human rights abuses transcend borders, and so must the journalism that exposes them. The Cambodia Daily survives on donations from readers who believe, as we do, that journalism is not a business but a public service. In an era of rising authoritarianism and shrinking civic space, independent media has never been more vital or more vulnerable. Support independent journalism. Defend democracy. The Cambodia Daily
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US to Support Aerial Monitoring of Cambodia-Thailand CeasefireRead more: https://english.cambodiadaily.com/2025/08/07/us...
08/07/2025

US to Support Aerial Monitoring of Cambodia-Thailand Ceasefire

Read more: https://english.cambodiadaily.com/2025/08/07/us-to-support-aerial-monitoring-of-cambodia-thailand-ceasefire/

The Cambodian Ministry of National Defence says the United States will continue to support planning and deployment of military and technical resources to monitor the ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand.

In a statement issued today, the ministry said the assistance will include aerial surveillance, logistical systems, and advanced equipment. The initiative is part of a proposal first introduced by President Donald Trump and will be led by Malaysia.

On August 6, Cambodian defence minister Tea Seiha met with Admiral Samuel Paparo, commander of US Indo-Pacific Command, and Edgard Kagan, US ambassador to Malaysia. During the meeting, the US side reaffirmed its commitment to closely monitor the implementation of the ceasefire to ensure its success and effectiveness.

According to the same source, the United States will also provide logistical and technical support for the rapid deployment of ASEAN Monitoring Team observers. The US will assist with planning, force mobility, and advanced surveillance technology.

The Cambodian Ministry of National Defence said Washington’s position reflects a strong commitment to helping end the conflict and build lasting peace between Cambodia and Thailand.

On August 7, the US Embassy in Phnom Penh posted on its official page that American officials had met separately with Thai and Cambodian delegations ahead of this week’s General Border Committee meeting in Kuala Lumpur. The embassy stated that the United States fully supports the ceasefire agreement.

On August 5, Thailand’s acting defence minister Nattaphon Narkphanit told a press conference that Thailand had submitted eight conditions to be discussed during the GBC talks in Malaysia. He said the aim was to restore peace and resolve the ongoing dispute.

Nattaphon Narkphanit also accused Cambodia of violating the ceasefire agreement.

In a press briefing today, foreign affairs ministry spokesperson Chum Sounry said Cambodia was deeply concerned about disinformation campaigns in Thailand that distort Cambodia’s peaceful intentions. He said Cambodia has consistently upheld the ceasefire.

Chum Sounry added that Thailand’s media narrative appears designed to deflect attention from Thai incursions into Cambodian territory. He said Cambodia is only defending itself in pursuit of peace for both countries.

Thai Military Commander Rejects Hun Sen’s Call to Ban Use of F-16Read more: https://english.cambodiadaily.com/2025/08/07...
08/07/2025

Thai Military Commander Rejects Hun Sen’s Call to Ban Use of F-16

Read more: https://english.cambodiadaily.com/2025/08/07/thai-military-commander-rejects-hun-sens-call-to-ban-use-of-f-16/

Thailand’s Second Army Region commander has rejected a public appeal by Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen to block the use of F-16 fighter jets along the Thai border.

Speaking after receiving reconnaissance drones for troops stationed near the frontier, General Boonsin Phadklang told Thai outlet Khaosod on August 7 that Thailand will continue using F-16s, which it deems essential to safeguarding its national sovereignty. He said the Thai military would not be swayed by Hun Sen’s recent statement calling on F-16-producing countries to prevent Thailand from deploying the jets to carry out airstrikes inside Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia or Myanmar.

Boonsin added that drones recently received by the army would be distributed swiftly to frontline troops for reconnaissance and border protection. He stressed that Thailand has no plans to target Cambodian leaders Hun Sen or Hun Manet.

Hun Sen made his remarks in a Facebook post on August 6, warning that Thailand had previously used fighter jets bought from the United States and Sweden to conduct airstrikes deep inside Cambodian territory. He urged arms-supplying nations to strictly enforce end-use agreements in order to prevent future strikes across the border.

The former prime minister and current Senate president said Cambodia does not object to the sale of fighter aircraft to Thailand but called on its neighbor not to use them to attack Cambodian, Laotian, Malaysian or Burmese territory.

Fighting broke out along the Cambodia-Thailand border in late July and continued for five days before a ceasefire was brokered on July 28 following an appeal from then United States President Donald Trump.

During the conflict, the Thai military deployed a range of heavy weaponry, including American-made F-16s, Swedish-made Gripen fighter jets, armed drones, rocket launchers, cluster munitions and aircraft dispersing chemical agents. Cambodia did not retaliate with heavy weapons.

The issue gained renewed attention this week when Singapore’s Straits Times reported on August 6 that the Thai cabinet had approved the purchase of four additional JAS 39 Saab Gripen fighter jets from Sweden. The deal is reportedly worth 600 million US dollars and is aimed at modernizing Thailand’s air force and reinforcing its defense capabilities.

Hun Manet Welcomes Cambodia-Thailand Agreement on Ceasefire and Interim ObserversRead more: https://english.cambodiadail...
08/07/2025

Hun Manet Welcomes Cambodia-Thailand Agreement on Ceasefire and Interim Observers

Read more: https://english.cambodiadaily.com/2025/08/07/hun-manet-welcomes-cambodia-thailand-agreement-on-ceasefire-and-interim-observers/

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has welcomed a bilateral agreement with Thailand to implement a ceasefire and deploy an interim observer team to monitor the situation along the shared border.

In a statement posted on his official page on August 7, Hun Manet said both sides had agreed to move forward with developing operational procedures for an ASEAN Observer Team, aimed at overseeing compliance with the ceasefire.

He added that the two countries had also agreed to allow the deployment of an Interim Observer Team, led by the Malaysian military attaché. This team is expected to carry out immediate on-the-ground monitoring while preparations for the ASEAN mission continue.

Hun Manet further confirmed that Cambodia and Thailand had agreed to hold a regional-level Border Committee meeting within the next two weeks. A General Border Committee meeting between the two countries will follow within one month.
He noted that if necessary, the two sides may convene an additional Extraordinary General Border Committee meeting, using the same format previously applied in Malaysia.

During the same talks, Cambodia formally requested the urgent release of 18 Cambodian soldiers currently held in Thai military custody.

The Extraordinary General Border Committee meeting was held on August 7 in Malaysia, with observers from Malaysia, the United States, and the People’s Republic of China in attendance.

In a press statement issued later the same day, Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense described the meeting as constructive and positive, saying it had produced tangible results. The ministry confirmed that the two countries reached consensus on ceasefire conditions and on setting up mechanisms to implement the agreement.

08/07/2025

Thailand is set to propose eight conditions during high-level border talks with Cambodia on Wednesday, aiming to maintain the fragile ceasefire agreed between the two countries.

08/07/2025

The Embassy of Japan in Cambodia has denied online rumours claiming that the Japanese government plans to provide combat drones to Thailand, calling the reports entirely false.

Japan Dismisses Rumours It Will Supply Combat Drones to ThailandRead more: https://english.cambodiadaily.com/2025/08/06/...
08/06/2025

Japan Dismisses Rumours It Will Supply Combat Drones to Thailand

Read more: https://english.cambodiadaily.com/2025/08/06/japan-dismisses-rumours-it-will-supply-combat-drones-to-thailand/

The Embassy of Japan in Cambodia has denied online rumours claiming that the Japanese government plans to provide combat drones to Thailand, calling the reports entirely false.

In a statement posted to its official page on the morning of August 6, the embassy stated that Japan has no intention of delivering such equipment to Thailand and has never received a request to do so from the Thai government.

The embassy emphasized that Japan’s assistance policies are governed by strict guidelines, especially in areas that could be linked to international conflicts. It said Tokyo views the implementation of the Cambodia -Thailand ceasefire agreement as critical to restoring peace in the border region.

“We strongly hope that the people of Cambodia will be able to return to peaceful daily life as soon as possible,” the embassy wrote.

On August 1, Japanese Ambassador Ueno Atsushi visited a camp in Oddar Meanchey province housing Cambodians who had fled the conflict zone. He expressed deep regret over the extent of the destruction caused by fighting between the two militaries.

Clashes between Cambodian and Thai troops intensified beginning July 24, when Thai forces reportedly launched the first attacks along the disputed border. The fighting lasted five days before both sides agreed to a ceasefire on July 28.

Cambodia and Thailand are now engaged in continued negotiations through the General Border Committee meeting being held in Malaysia. Talks began on August 4 and are scheduled to conclude on August 6.

Thailand Proposes Eight Conditions Ahead of Border Talks with CambodiaRead more: https://english.cambodiadaily.com/2025/...
08/06/2025

Thailand Proposes Eight Conditions Ahead of Border Talks with Cambodia

Read more: https://english.cambodiadaily.com/2025/08/06/thailand-proposes-eight-conditions-ahead-of-border-talks-with-cambodia/

Thailand is set to propose eight conditions during high-level border talks with Cambodia on Wednesday, aiming to maintain the fragile ceasefire agreed between the two countries.

According to a report published by the Bangkok Post on Tuesday, the Thai delegation will present the proposals at a special session of the Cambodia –Thailand General Border Committee, or GBC, scheduled to take place in Malaysia.

The Straits Times also reported on August 5 that Thailand’s proposed terms include a complete and unconditional respect for the ceasefire along disputed and border areas. Other measures cover the management of civilian populations, particularly those living in border zones, a total prohibition on reinforcement of troops in contested areas, and a ban on all military movements to avoid misunderstandings.

Thailand is also expected to call for joint cooperation in repatriating the wounded and deceased, the creation of a forward-working group to resolve incidents and exchange information, and a coordinated reduction in troop deployments to ease tensions. If consensus is reached, the two sides may sign a formal agreement.

On August 5, acting Thai Defence Minister Nattaphon Narkphanit confirmed in a press conference that the eight-point proposal was designed to adjust and build upon the existing agreement between Cambodia and Thailand. He said the goal is to secure peace and prevent future conflict.

Meanwhile, the Cambodian Ministry of National Defence claimed on August 5 that Thai forces had used heavy equipment to build a concrete base in An Ses, an area under Cambodian sovereignty. Cambodian authorities also accused Thai troops of violating the ceasefire agreement despite warnings from Cambodian forces.

The special session of the Cambodia –Thailand General Border Committee is scheduled for August 7 in Malaysia. The meeting follows three days of technical-level talks which began on August 4 and are expected to conclude on Thursday.

The upcoming meeting will bring together both countries’ defence ministers and military chiefs. It will be held at Wisma Perwira, near Malaysia’s Ministry of Defence. Observers from the United States, China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations are also expected to attend.

08/06/2025

The current ASEAN chair, Anwar Ibrahim, says he hopes the ongoing Cambodia-Thailand border dispute will be resolved at the upcoming General Border Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday this week. Malaysia, he added, has also deployed satellite monitoring and ceasefire observers to track the situation between the two countries.

08/06/2025

The Cambodian government has announced that it will provide cash assistance and free vocational training to Cambodian workers returning from Thailand, provided they hold valid equity cards or identification indicating they are from vulnerable households.

08/06/2025

Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has rejected claims that Thai authorities were planning an assassination attempt targeting Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet.

ASEAN Chair Hopes Cambodia-Thailand Border Dispute Will Be Resolved at This Week’s GBC MeetingRead more: https://english...
08/06/2025

ASEAN Chair Hopes Cambodia-Thailand Border Dispute Will Be Resolved at This Week’s GBC Meeting

Read more: https://english.cambodiadaily.com/2025/08/06/asean-chair-hopes-cambodia-thailand-border-dispute-will-be-resolved-at-this-weeks-gbc-meeting/

The current ASEAN chair, Anwar Ibrahim, says he hopes the ongoing Cambodia-Thailand border dispute will be resolved at the upcoming General Border Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday this week. Malaysia, he added, has also deployed satellite monitoring and ceasefire observers to track the situation between the two countries.

According to Malaysian state news agency Bernama, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on August 5 that the defense ministers of both Cambodia and Thailand will attend the meeting for direct discussions aimed at maintaining and reaffirming the ceasefire and ensuring that no further violations occur.

Anwar Ibrahim stressed that the border tensions do not only affect bilateral relations between Cambodia and Thailand but also undermine ASEAN’s credibility. He said Malaysia would continue facilitating dialogue between the two ASEAN member states even though it no longer holds the ASEAN chairmanship.

Anwar Ibrahim noted that despite the situation remaining tense and volatile, it is currently under control. He expressed confidence that several points negotiated under Malaysia’s facilitation could be formally adopted during the meeting on August 7.

The extraordinary session of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee is set to take place on August 7 in Malaysia. This meeting follows a two-day session of the joint Cambodia-Thailand GBC working group, which began on August 4 and is expected to conclude on August 6.

In connection with the border dispute, the Thai Enquirer reported today that Thailand has submitted a detailed ceasefire proposal to Cambodia during the ongoing GBC working group meeting, ahead of the extraordinary GBC session scheduled for Thursday.

On August 4, while the joint GBC working group meeting was underway in Malaysia, Thai military forces deployed armed mobile units into the An Ses area. The convoy was reportedly accompanied by heavy machinery including excavators and barbed wire, moving inside territory claimed by Cambodia despite warnings from Cambodian troops.

The recent escalation began on the morning of July 24, when Thai forces opened fire at the Ta Moan Thom temple area in Oddar Meanchey province. The clashes quickly spread to other areas along the shared border.

Commenting on the situation, Sek Socheat, a development and policy research advisor, said that if Thailand continues to violate Cambodian territory using military force, Cambodia's best option would be to take the matter to the United Nations Security Council. He suggested requesting the implementation of peacekeeping or enforcement measures, including sanctions and arms embargoes.

Cambodia Offers Free Training and Cash to Returning WorkersRead more: https://english.cambodiadaily.com/2025/08/06/cambo...
08/06/2025

Cambodia Offers Free Training and Cash to Returning Workers

Read more: https://english.cambodiadaily.com/2025/08/06/cambodia-offers-free-training-and-cash-to-returning-workers/

The Cambodian government has announced that it will provide cash assistance and free vocational training to Cambodian workers returning from Thailand, provided they hold valid equity cards or identification indicating they are from vulnerable households.

Speaking on August 5, Chorn Narith, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Economy and Finance and Secretary-General of the National Social Protection Council, said recently returned workers from Thailand are eligible to register for training under Cambodia’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training programme, or TVET, if they possess the required documentation.

Chorn Narith said the government does not want workers to worry about unemployment, and added that Cambodia currently has a high demand for skilled labour. He noted that a recent reduction in US tariffs on Cambodian goods, now set at 19 percent, may help attract further foreign investment, potentially creating new job opportunities for Cambodian workers in the future.

Soeng Senkaruna, head of the Cambodia Democratic Movement based in Australia, welcomed the government’s support measures, including vocational and technical training for returnees from Thailand. However, he raised concerns about access to the programme, saying many returning workers may not have the required equity cards due to being away from their home villages for many years.

Soeng Senkaruna called on the government to find alternative ways to allow those without proper identification to enrol in the training programme. He said this would give returnees a better chance to earn a living and care for their families, rather than migrating again once the country stabilises.

The TVET programme was officially launched on November 14, 2023. It provides free vocational and technical training for young people from poor or at-risk households. Participants also receive a monthly stipend of 280,000 riel, or about 70 US dollars.

According to estimates from the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, nearly 400,000 Cambodian workers returned from Thailand between July 24 and July 28, 2025. The ministry reports that approximately 1.2 million Cambodians are currently working in Thailand, most of them employed in agriculture, construction, fisheries, and manufacturing sectors.

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