AKP Phnom Penh, August 18, 2025 --

H.E. Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, Under Secretary of State and Spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defence, noted positive developments in the ceasefire’s implementation but reiterated Cambodia’s call for Thai forces to release the 18 captured Cambodian soldiers.

“Cambodia continues to urge the Thai side to return the 18 military personnel so they may reunite with their families, who have been waiting day and night for their return,” the spokesperson said at a press briefing held at 7:00 a.m. today.

She recalled that Thai soldiers had unlawfully arrested the Cambodian troops immediately after the ceasefire took effect on the morning of July 29, 2025. As of 7:00 a.m. on Aug. 18, 2025, their detention has lasted 19 days, 23 hours, and 10 minutes, she stressed.

Regarding the border situation, H.E. Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata reported that from midnight until 6:00 a.m. this morning, conditions along the frontline in Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, and Banteay Meanchey provinces remained calm and stable.

By Heng Panha