Cambodia calls for the return of more soldiers still detained by Thailand as border tensions persist between the two nations. Thailand has freed two injured Cambodian soldiers who were taken prisoner after fierce confrontations near a disputed border zone. This move comes as both countries prepare for discussions next week aimed at sustaining an unstable peace. The soldiers were handed over on Friday at a crossing between Thailand’s Surin province and Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey, according to the Cambodian Defense Ministry.
The return of these soldiers occurs amid ongoing accusations from both sides about alleged targeting of civilians and violations of international law during a recent five-day conflict. Eighteen additional Cambodian soldiers, captured during a skirmish on Tuesday shortly after a ceasefire was agreed upon, remain detained in Thailand. “The wounded soldiers were returned via an agreed-upon border point,” stated Maly Socheata, a spokesperson for Cambodia’s Defense Ministry, who urged Thailand to release the remaining soldiers “in line with international humanitarian law.” Each government offers starkly different accounts of the soldiers’ capture. Cambodia claims its soldiers approached Thai forces with peaceful intentions, aiming to establish post-conflict goodwill. In contrast, Thailand contends that Cambodian soldiers entered Thai territory with aggressive intent, resulting in their detention.
Thai authorities assert that they are following legal processes while reviewing the actions of the remaining soldiers, without providing a timeline for their release. The ceasefire has not diminished nationalist sentiments online, as social media in both countries is rife with patriotic emotions and mutual accusations. Meanwhile, both governments have conducted guided tours of former combat areas for foreign diplomats and observers, each accusing the other of causing destruction and using the tours to support their narratives. The recent hostilities involved ground troops, Cambodian rockets, Thai air strikes, and artillery fire.
The conflict resulted in more than 30 deaths, including civilians, and displaced over 260,000 people. Under the terms of the ceasefire, military representatives from both countries are scheduled to meet in Malaysia next week to discuss strategies to reduce tensions. These talks, however, will not address the longstanding territorial disagreement, which has been unresolved for decades. The General Border Committee, which handles border security, ceasefires, and troop movements, will convene from August 4 to 7, according to Thai acting Defence Minister Nattaphon Narkphanit. “Defence attaches from other ASEAN nations, as well as those from the US and China, will be invited,” a Malaysian government spokesperson told reporters, referencing the Southeast Asian regional group that Malaysia currently leads.
Separately, on Friday, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol announced plans to nominate United States President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, acknowledging his role in facilitating the ceasefire. Speaking earlier in Phnom Penh, he expressed gratitude to Trump for “promoting peace” and argued that the US President deserved the accolade. Similar nominations have recently been made by Pakistan and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, each praising Trump’s contribution to resolving regional conflicts.
