Cambodia Requested ASEAN Chair to Mediate and Urge Thailand to Expedite the Return of the 18 Cambodian Soldiers

Cambodia Requested ASEAN Chair to Mediate and Urge Thailand to Expedite the Return of the 18 Cambodian Soldiers

Phnom Penh, August 2, 2025 – During a press briefing on the “Outcome of the Ceasefire Implementation between Cambodia and Thailand”, held at the Office of the Council of Ministers at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2025, Her Excellency General Maly Socheata, Spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defence, stated that Cambodia has officially requested Malaysia, as the current Chair of ASEAN, to mediate and encourage the Thai side to expedite the repatriation of all 18 Cambodian soldiers back to Cambodian territory.

“Concerning with the 18 Cambodian military personnel currently under Thailand’s control since July 29, 2025, the Thai side has confirmed that they are safe and unharmed. The Royal Government of Cambodia continues to actively engaging in negotiations to secure their release, and reiterates its firm call for their immediate and unconditional release in accordance with the international humanitarian law. We have also formally requested Malaysia, in its capacity as Chair of ASEAN and as a key facilitator of the Ceasefire agreed upon by the two countries, to mediate and we also urge Thailand to expedite the return of our military personnel,” the Spokesperson emphasized.

“The Ministry of National Defense and the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces affirm that we will never abandon any of our soldiers under any circumstances,” H.E. Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata further stressed.