Cambodia Hopes for Swift Release of 18 Detained Soldiers Following Agreement with Thailand on Repatriation of Deceased Personnel

Cambodia Hopes for Swift Release of 18 Detained Soldiers Following Agreement with Thailand on Repatriation of Deceased Personnel

Phnom Penh, 8 August 2025 — During a press conference held at 4:00 PM at the Office of the Council of Ministers, Her Excellency General Maly Socheata, Spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, announced that Cambodia and Thailand have reached a mutual agreement to coordinate the dignified and timely repatriation of deceased individuals in accordance with humanitarian principles and international legal standards, without violating territorial boundaries.

The agreement was highlighted as a key outcome of ongoing discussions following the enforcement of the recent ceasefire between the two nations.

In addition to this agreement, H.E. Lt. Gen. Socheata expressed Cambodia’s strong hope that the Thai side will promptly release the 18 Cambodian soldiers who were detained one day after the ceasefire officially came into effect. Cambodia has pledged to persist in diplomatic efforts until all detained personnel are safely returned.

“In this spirit, Cambodia hopes that Thailand will immediately release the 18 Cambodian soldiers currently in custody. This call is aligned with repeated and urgent appeals made by partner countries and numerous international organizations,” said General Socheata.

“The Ministry of National Defense, the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, and the international community will continue to advocate until Thailand fulfills its obligations under international law. We will not abandon or leave behind a single member of our national family,” she affirmed.