CAMBODIA confirmed today (Nov. 7) that together with Thailand it will proceed with the second stage of the first phase of heavy weapons withdrawal along the border tomorrow, as part of a joint action plan to reduce military tension and strengthen mutual trust, according to Khmer Times newspaper.
Khmer Ministry of National Defence’s spokeswoman, Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, said the operation will be conducted in line with the agreement signed on Oct. 31 between Lt. Gen. Pov Heng, commander of Cambodia’s Military Region 4, and Maj. Gen. Weerayut Raksilp, commander of Thailand’s 2nd Army Region.
Lt. Gen. Socheata said both sides had successfully completed the first stage of the weapons removal on Nov. 1, under the observation and verification of the Asean Observer Team (AOT).
“Cambodia will continue to work closely with Thailand to ensure that the action plan is fully and effectively implemented with accuracy and transparency,” she affirmed.
She recalled that on Oct. 31 October, the 4th Military Region of Cambodia and the 2nd Army Region of Thailand convened a special meeting of the Cambodia–Thailand Regional Border Committee (RBC), during which both parties reached a concrete agreement on the phased removal of heavy and destructive weapons and equipment under AOT supervision.
The first phase of the withdrawal is being implemented in three stages from Nov. 1 to 21 2025, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to de-escalating border tensions and fostering lasting peace along the frontier.
Meanwhile the United States yesterday (Nov. 6) lifted an embargo on defence trade with Cambodia, after President Donald Trump oversaw the signing of a ceasefire deal between Cambodia and neighbouring Thailand last week.
The administration of Trump’s predecessor, Joe Biden, imposed the ban on arms exports to the Southeast Asian nation in 2021, citing the growing influence of China’s military in the country, as well as human rights and alleged corruption.
It was unclear whether US concerns over Chinese military influence in Cambodia have been addressed. US officials have for years raised concerns about China’s expansion of the Ream Naval Base, which could give China an outpost near the contested waters of the South China Sea.
The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The determination comes after Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth said after meeting Cambodia’s Minister of National Defense Tea Seiha in Malaysia on Friday that he had “agreed to restart our premier bilateral military exercise with Cambodia.”
CAPTIONS:
Top and Front Page- The Thai 2nd Army Region withdrawing heavy weapons from the border. Photos – Thai Rath
Insert – Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet and US President Donald Trump talk as they sign documents, during the signing of a ceasefire deal between Cambodia and Thailand on the sidelines of the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, October 26, 2025. Photo – Reuters/Evelyn Hockstein and published by CNA
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