Cambodia Urges Immediate Repatriation of 18 Thai Soldiers Held After Border Clash

Cambodia Urges Immediate Repatriation of 18 Thai Soldiers Held After Border Clash

The Cambodian Ministry of National Defense has issued a statement urging Thailand to immediately repatriate the 18 Thai soldiers still being held captive after a border clash at the O'Smach checkpoint. According to Cambodia, Thailand has only released 2 of the 20 soldiers captured during the incident.

The clash occurred when Thai and Cambodian troops exchanged gunfire and grenade attacks, resulting in casualties on both sides. The Thai military has confirmed that the detained soldiers are being treated humanely and in accordance with international law. They have been provided with food, clean drinking water, clothing, and medical treatment.

Major General Winthai Suvari, a Thai army spokesperson, emphasized that Thailand would not deviate from the rules of armed conflict and would uphold its obligations under the Geneva Conventions. He stated that the soldiers would be returned once the legal procedures are completed, although the exact nature of these procedures remains unclear .

Diplomatic efforts are underway to resolve the situation, with both countries engaging in talks to find a peaceful solution. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has called on both countries to respect the ceasefire and prioritize peace-building efforts. The international community is watching closely as negotiations over troop movements, sovereignty claims, and humanitarian access continue.

The Cambodian Ministry of National Defense has demanded the swift return of its soldiers, citing international humanitarian law. Cambodia's ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata said, "We will do our best to continue negotiations with the Thai side in order to bring all our soldiers back home safely and as soon as possible."

The recent clashes have resulted in significant casualties and displacement. Thailand has reported 15 soldier deaths and 15 civilian fatalities, while Cambodia has reported 5 soldier deaths and 8 civilian fatalities. Nearly 300,000 people have been displaced, and many more are still in need of humanitarian assistance .

The Thai-Cambodian border has a complex history of conflict and tension, with both countries having competing claims over various territories. The recent incident is a reminder of the need for a peaceful resolution to these disputes and for greater cooperation between the two nations.

In a recent development, Thai officials have emphasized that their military responses were defensive in nature and followed international legal standards. The Thai Foreign Minister has briefed international partners, including Malaysia, the United States, and China, on the breaches of the ceasefire agreement. Diplomatic consultations are expected to resume shortly to find a lasting solution to the conflict .