AKP Phnom Penh, August 30, 2025 --

Cambodian Ambassador to the United States H.E. Koy Kuong has called on the international community to intervene for the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers who were deceitfully captured and taken hostage by Thai forces after the official entry into force of the July 28 ceasefire agreement.

As of 4:00 p.m. today, their detention has lasted 32 days, 8 hours, and 10 minutes.

The appeal was made during a telephone conversation between H.E. Koy Kuong and H.E. Hunt Vander Toll, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Southeast Asia in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, on Aug. 28. The discussion focused on recent developments related to the Cambodia–Thailand border conflict, H.E. Chum Sounry, Secretary of State and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, told a press briefing this afternoon.

According to the spokesperson, H.E. Ambassador Koy Kuong recalled the meaningful letter from U.S. President H.E. Donald J. Trump to the Prime Minister of Cambodia, which reflected his role in facilitating the immediate ceasefire between Cambodian and Thai troops, thereby saving many lives. This, he noted, was fully in line with the wishes of the Cambodian Prime Minister.

H.E. Koy Kuong also dismissed Thailand’s accusations that Cambodia had used civilians as human shields and laid new landmines. He reaffirmed the firm position of the Royal Government of Cambodia to resolve border disputes with neighbouring countries peacefully and in accordance with international law.

For his part, H.E. Hunt Vander Toll reaffirmed President Trump’s support for a peaceful settlement of the border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand. He stressed that the United States encourages both countries to continue sincere dialogue and urgently establish an ASEAN Observer Group to effectively monitor and oversee the implementation of the ceasefire.

He further underlined that the United States hopes both sides will avoid any actions that could escalate tensions or destabilise the border situation.

On bilateral relations, both sides reaffirmed the two countries’ strong commitment to further strengthening and advancing cooperation in all areas.

By C. Nika