AKP Phnom Penh, August 11, 2025 --

Under Secretary of State and Spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defence, H.E. Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, has renewed Cambodia’s call for the immediate release of 18 Cambodian military personnel captured by Thai forces on July 29, 2025.

“As of today, it has been 13 days since our military personnel were unlawfully detained by Thai soldiers. Cambodia has repeatedly urged Thailand to promptly return them in accordance with international humanitarian law and in response to urgent appeals from partner countries and international organisations,” she stated during a press briefing in Phnom Penh this afternoon.

H.E. Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata stressed that the Ministry of National Defence, the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, and the international community will continue to call upon Thailand to fulfill its obligations under international law.

“We are committed to ensuring that no military personnel are left behind or abandoned. Our stance remains firm—calling for the immediate and safe return of our detained personnel, with full respect for legal and humanitarian standards,” she underlined.

She further urged Thailand to act in good faith and honour the commitments made during the Special Meeting on July 28, 2025 and the Extraordinary General Border Committee (GBC) Meeting between Cambodia and Thailand on Aug. 7, 2025, in the spirit of peace, cooperation, and development for both nations.

By Heng Panha