Cambodia Urges Thailand to Release Detained Soldiers, Respect Ceasefire
Phnom Penh, Cambodia – Tensions remain elevated along the Cambodian-Thai border following the detention of Cambodian soldiers by Thai authorities after a ceasefire agreement The Cambodian government is demanding the immediate release of its personnel and is urging Thailand to uphold international law and the terms of the ceasefire, which came into effect on July 28, 2025 The ceasefire, brokered with the assistance of ASEAN mediators, aimed to de-escalate recent clashes and restore stability to the region According to sources within the Cambodian Ministry of Defense, the soldiers were apprehended several kilometers inside Cambodian territory, a claim disputed by Thai officials who maintain they were operating on their side of the border.
The exact number of detained soldiers has not been officially released, but unofficial reports suggest it is between five and ten individuals. The situation is particularly sensitive given the history of border disputes between the two nations, with overlapping claims on certain areas We are deeply concerned by the continued detention of our soldiers," stated a spokesperson for the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs during a press conference held in Phnom Penh today.
We call on the Thai government to act in accordance with international law and release our personnel immediately. Their continued detention undermines the spirit of the ceasefire and risks further escalating tensions.
The Cambodian government has also lodged a formal protest with the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh.
Background
The protest note emphasized the importance of adhering to existing border agreements and called for a joint investigation into the circumstances surrounding the soldiers' apprehension The incident occurs against a backdrop of ongoing negotiations between Cambodia and Thailand aimed at demarcating the disputed border areas Progress has been slow, hampered by historical claims and differing interpretations of existing maps Current SituationThe ASEAN Secretariat has issued a statement expressing concern over the situation and urging both Cambodia and Thailand to exercise restraint and engage in constructive dialogue ASEAN's role as a mediator has been crucial in the past, and the organization is offering its assistance to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the current dispute Several analysts within Cambodia are noting the impact on overall ASEAN unity, as the bloc strives to present a united front on regional issues A prolonged dispute between member states undermines ASEAN credibility on the global stage The incident has sparked public outrage in Cambodia, with calls for a firm response from the government
Protests have been held outside the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh, with demonstrators demanding the immediate release of the soldiers While the Cambodian government has stressed its commitment to resolving the issue through diplomatic channels, it has also warned that it will take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity The situation remains fluid, and the coming days will be critical in determining whether a peaceful resolution can be achieved The international community is watching closely, particularly in light of the region's strategic importance and the potential for wider instability
