ICRC: 18 Cambodian Soldiers Held in Thailand Are Safe, Healthy
Phnom Penh, Cambodia – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has confirmed the safety and good health of 18 Cambodian soldiers currently held in Thai custody. This announcement followed a meeting on Friday afternoon between Lieutenant General Rath Dararoth, Secretary of State at the Cambodian Ministry of National Defence, and Lloyd Gillett, Regional Armed Forces Delegate of the ICRC.
The meeting served as both a courtesy call and a platform for discussing matters of mutual interest, primarily focusing on the status of the detained soldiers The ICRC's confirmation provides reassurance to the families of the soldiers and underscores the importance of international humanitarian law in ensuring the humane treatment of prisoners of war and detainees While details regarding the circumstances leading to the soldiers' detention remain limited, the ICRC's involvement signifies a commitment to upholding the rights and well-being of those affected
The location of their detention within Thailand was not specified, but the ICRC representative communicated that they had visited the soldiers and confirmed their condition firsthand.
Current SituationLieutenant General Dararoth expressed gratitude to the ICRC for its continued efforts in monitoring the situation and facilitating communication with the Thai authorities This cooperation is particularly relevant in the context of Cambodia-Thailand relations, where border security and management remain crucial aspects of bilateral engagement The meeting underscores the role of neutral organizations like the ICRC in fostering dialogue and promoting adherence to international norms, especially in situations involving cross-border incidents or military personnel The timing of this announcement is noteworthy as ASEAN member states increasingly focus on regional security cooperation Cambodia and Thailand, as key players in ASEAN, have a vested interest in maintaining stability along their shared border
Background
The incident involving the soldiers, while not detailed in the press release, highlights the potential for misunderstandings or inadvertent incursions along the border, necessitating clear communication channels and adherence to established protocols This incident also serves as a reminder of the importance of robust border demarcation and management strategies to prevent future incidents and maintain peaceful relations between the two countries The reasons for the soldiers being in Thai custody were not specified However, similar incidents in the past have involved unintentional border crossings or misunderstandings during routine patrols
Further details regarding the soldiers' eventual repatriation are anticipated in the coming weeks, pending further discussions between Cambodian and Thai authorities, facilitated by the ICRC The Ministry of National Defence has stated its commitment to working closely with the Thai government to ensure the safe return of the soldiers to their families and to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The ICRC's ongoing monitoring role provides a crucial safeguard for the soldiers' well-being and facilitates the resolution of the situation through diplomatic channels
