AKP Phnom Penh, July 31, 2025 --

Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet has addressed public concerns regarding the Royal Government’s stance on captured Cambodian soldiers, clarifying that effective management of military information on the battlefield is vital to safeguarding lives and ensuring operational success.

In a social media post this morning, Samdech Thipadei reaffirmed that since fighting erupted on July 24, 2025, the Royal Government has prioritised the protection of both military personnel and affected civilians. This commitment, he said, is why the government has worked tirelessly to achieve a ceasefire at the earliest possible opportunity.

Referring specifically to Cambodian soldiers captured by the Thai side, the Prime Minister stressed that their safety has been a top priority from the moment of their capture.

“In the initial stage, when there is no clear information about the fate of the captured soldiers, managing military information becomes critical. Releasing unverified or sensitive information could jeopardise their safety or complicate efforts to secure their release,” he explained.

“Therefore, when faced with the choice between publicly disclosing information or withholding it to protect lives in a time of uncertainty, the Royal Government has chosen to manage information carefully and initiate negotiations for their safe return. This should not be misunderstood as a lack of concern or an attempt to conceal the situation, as some have alleged.”

The Prime Minister further clarified that senior Cambodian military officials have been actively engaging with their Thai counterparts to demand the immediate release of the captured soldiers. Since the outset, the Minister of National Defence and the Commander of Cambodia’s 4th Military Region have maintained regular communication with their Thai counterparts to facilitate this process.

In addition, the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces has formally requested the assistance of the Chief of Defence Forces of Malaysia—who is serving as the coordinator and observer of the ceasefire—to urge Thailand’s military leadership to expedite the soldiers’ return.

“I sincerely hope that the Thai Army will return all our soldiers currently in their custody to Cambodia as soon as possible,” the Prime Minister underscored.

By C. Nika