Of the 21 Cambodian Soldiers Captured by Thailand, One Body Has Been Repatriated; Negotiations Continue for the Safe and Swift Return of the Remaining 20, Spokesperson

Of the 21 Cambodian Soldiers Captured by Thailand, One Body Has Been Repatriated; Negotiations Continue for the Safe and Swift Return of the Remaining 20, Spokesperson

Phnom Penh – During a press conference held at the Office of the Council of Ministers on the morning of Thursday, July 31, 2025, Lieutenant General H.E. Maly Suchata, Spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defense, reported that of the 21 Cambodian soldiers captured by Thai forces on July 29, 2025 at 7:50 AM, after the Cambodia–Thailand ceasefire agreement had officially taken effect, Cambodia has so far received the body of one soldier. The government is currently in negotiations to secure the safe and prompt return of the remaining 20 soldiers.

“With regard to the 21 Cambodian personnel currently under Thai control, we have received one body so far, while the other 20 are expected to be repatriated. Our highest priority remains the defense of our territory, the protection of our people’s lives, and the preservation of peace. We are steadfast in our commitment to prevent any further outbreak of war, as we have continuously strived to do.”, the Spokesperson stated

General Maly Suchata also called on the public to trust in the Cambodian government’s efforts to resolve the issue, stating:

“I appeal to all our fellow citizens and our armed forces to remain calm and confident that the Royal Government, the Ministry of National Defense, and our Royal Cambodian Armed Forces have never abandoned any of our troops—under any circumstance. […] Please have faith in the government and our forces who are courageously standing guard in defense of our sovereignty, driven by deep national pride. We will continue negotiating by all means possible to ensure the fastest and safest return of our compatriots.”

It should be noted that, according to Brigadier General Chan Sophaktra, Commander of the Operational Sector based in Preah Vihear Province, who spoke to a delegation of military attachés from 13 countries during their inspection of the border on July 30, 2025, Thai troops had used a deceptive tactic—waving a hand to lure Cambodian forces for talks. When the Cambodians approached, the Thai side raised their weapons and detained 21 Cambodian soldiers on July 29, 2025, after the Cambodia–Thailand ceasefire agreement had already come into effect.