Phnom penh: Cambodia is fully and strictly observing the ceasefire and related agreements reached late last year, Royal Government Spokesperson H.E. Pen Bona said on Saturday, reiterating the country's commitment to peace and international law.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, H.E. Pen Bona emphasized at a press briefing at the Office of the Council of Ministers that Cambodia has acted 'in good faith' to implement the ceasefire that took effect at noon on Dec. 27, 2025. This is in line with the Joint Statement adopted that day and previous bilateral agreements. He highlighted Cambodia's firm position on protecting its international border with Thailand as defined by the Indochina-Siam Boundary Commission, in accordance with international law, including the principle of uti possidetis juris, relevant Franco-Siam convention treaty, official maps, boundary markers, and agreed-upon documents.

H.E. Pen Bona stated that Cambodia does not recognize any border changes resulting from the use of force. He noted that the phased return of displaced civilians was among the key outcomes of the Dec. 27 joint statement, following the ceasefire and the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers on Dec. 31 after 155 days in detention. As of Friday evening, more than 470,000 displaced people had returned to their homes, out of a total of over 640,000 who were forced to flee. Approximately 170,000 people remain in temporary shelters, with ongoing efforts to facilitate their safe and orderly return.

A total of 975 schools in four provinces-Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey, and Pursat-have reopened, while 116 others remain closed. Many hospitals, health centers, and other public service institutions have also resumed operations. H.E. Pen Bona credited the Royal Government's diplomatic efforts, led by Senate President Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen and Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, as instrumental in securing the ceasefire and steering the situation back toward dialogue and legal mechanisms, with support from international partners.

He expressed gratitude to donors and volunteers for supporting displaced families, calling national solidarity 'a core strength of Cambodian society'. Under the joint statement, both sides agreed to allow civilians affected by the conflict to return home as soon as possible, safely, and with dignity. However, H.E. Pen Bona noted that some displaced people have yet to return due to the continued military presence and damage to civilian infrastructure in certain border areas.