ICRC: 18 Cambodian Soldiers in Thai Custody Safe, Healthy

Phnom Penh, Cambodia – August 9, 2025 – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has confirmed the well-being of 18 Cambodian soldiers currently held in custody in Thailand. This announcement follows a meeting on Friday between Lieutenant General Rath Dararoth, Secretary of State at the Ministry of National Defence, and Lloyd Gillett, Regional Armed Forces Delegate of the ICRC.

The meeting, described as a courtesy call and discussion, focused on the status and treatment of the detained soldiers.

Background

The ICRC's confirmation provides reassurance to the families of the soldiers and highlights the ongoing cooperation between Cambodia and Thailand on matters of border security and personnel management The specifics surrounding the soldiers' detention were not disclosed, but sources suggest the soldiers may have inadvertently crossed the border during routine patrols or training exercises Details regarding the location of detention also remain undisclosed Current SituationLieutenant General Dararoth expressed his gratitude to the ICRC for their efforts in monitoring the situation and ensuring the soldiers' safety and well-being He reiterated Cambodia's commitment to maintaining positive relations with Thailand and resolving any border-related issues through peaceful dialogue and diplomatic channels The ICRC plays a crucial role in monitoring the treatment of prisoners of war and detainees in conflict zones, ensuring that international humanitarian law is respected Their involvement in this case underscores the importance of adherence to these principles, even in situations that do not involve armed conflict It also demonstrates the ICRC's commitment to providing humanitarian assistance to individuals affected by conflict or detention across Southeast Asia, including in Cambodia and Thailand This incident serves as a reminder of the complexities of border management and the potential for unintended incidents The Cambodian government is likely working closely with Thai authorities to secure the soldiers' eventual release and return to Cambodia

This situation underscores the importance of clear communication and coordination between the two countries to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future The case further emphasizes the pivotal role that organizations like the ICRC play in upholding international standards for the treatment of detainees and fostering dialogue between nations, particularly within the ASEAN context The well-being of Cambodian citizens remains the utmost priority as the government engages in diplomatic efforts to address the situation Future updates will be provided as they become available