AKP Phnom Penh, August 08, 2025 --

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MFAIC) has expressed appreciation for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)’s visit to the 18 Cambodian soldiers currently under Thai custody but remains concerned over their continued detention.

“The Ministry takes positive note of the recent visit by the ICRC to these 18 Cambodian soldiers. Cambodia welcomes Thailand’s facilitation of private interviews and physical check-ups conducted by the ICRC, as reported in the press release issued by Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Aug. 7, 2025,” said H.E. Chum Sounry, Secretary of State and Spokesperson of the MFAIC, at a press briefing in Phnom Penh at 11:00 a.m. today.

The MFAIC values the ICRC’s visit, which has ensured that the basic rights and dignity of the detained soldiers are respected in accordance with the 1949 Geneva Convention, the spokesperson underlined, adding that Cambodia views this as an important step toward transparency and adherence to international humanitarian law.

However, the spokesperson stressed that the continued detention of the 18 soldiers—captured during an agreed ceasefire—raises serious legal and ethical concerns.

In response to Thailand’s statement that the soldiers will be released and repatriated once hostilities between the two countries are over, H.E. Chum Sounry said, Cambodia reiterated its call for their immediate and unconditional repatriation. The Kingdom also urged Thailand to prioritise good-faith dialogue and de-escalation in the spirit of peace and cooperation.

By Heng Panha