Royal Government of Cambodia Mobilises Multilateral Channels to Ensure Safe Repatriation of Detained Soldiers

Royal Government of Cambodia Mobilises Multilateral Channels to Ensure Safe Repatriation of Detained Soldiers

Phnom Penh, August 4, 2025 — The Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC), under the leadership of Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to securing the immediate and safe return of 18 Cambodian soldiers currently held in Thai custody.

In a statement issued via social media this afternoon, the Prime Minister underscored the government’s active engagement in monitoring the welfare of the detained personnel, who have been held by Thai authorities since July 29, 2025. “Despite the evolving circumstances, the RGC continues to follow closely the condition and safety of the 18 Cambodian military personnel, and is pursuing all available diplomatic, legal, and humanitarian channels to ensure their earliest and secure repatriation,” the Premier stated.

To this end, the Ministry of National Defence, in coordination with the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and commanders of the relevant military regions, has been in direct communication with their Thai counterparts. As part of a broader diplomatic initiative, the RGC has also formally requested the Government of Malaysia, in its capacity as the current Chair of ASEAN, to engage constructively with Thai authorities in seeking a resolution.

In parallel, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has been tasked with coordinating efforts through the Permanent Mission of Cambodia to the United Nations and other international organisations based in Geneva. These efforts include engaging the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to advocate for the soldiers’ immediate release in accordance with international humanitarian law.

Furthermore, the Cambodian Human Rights Committee has been directed to liaise with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR), and the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand. These engagements aim to accelerate a peaceful resolution and ensure that the rights and safety of the detained Cambodian soldiers are fully respected.

The Royal Government’s multipronged approach reflects its steadfast dedication to protecting the dignity and wellbeing of its armed forces while upholding principles of international law, regional cooperation, and human rights.