AKP Phnom Penh, September 10, 2025 --

The 18 Cambodian soldiers currently under the captivity of the Thai Military since July 29, 2025, after the ceasefire agreement had taken effect, are safe and in good health, confirmed the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) after its second visit to the soldiers. 

The information was shared by Mr. Jurg Montani, Head of the ICRC Regional Delegation, during a working discussion with H.E. Lt. Gen. Rath Dararoth, Secretary of State at the Ministry of National Defence, in Phnom Penh on Sept. 9

Mr. Jurg Montani further emphasised that the ICRC team delivered family messages collected by the Cambodian Red Cross (CRC) from the wives, siblings, and children of those 18 soldiers. In return, the soldiers also wrote letters back, in full compliance with the Geneva Conventions. 

He stressed: “The contents of these family messages are strictly confidential; no one other than the senders and their families may know what is written. Even staff members of the CRC cannot access them, as confidentiality must be respected. With regard to photographs of the detained soldiers, we cannot release any images, in accordance with international humanitarian law.”

It must also be underscored that the Royal Government of Cambodia has been and will continue to make tireless efforts, using all available mechanisms for Thai military to release and return our 18 soldiers as quickly and safely as possible.

The Royal Government and the Ministry of National Defence, and the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces will never abandon any of our troops under any circumstances.

By C. Nika