(Phnom Penh): Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, Spokesperson for Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence, said that as of the morning of 11 August 2025, it has been 13 days since 18 Cambodian soldiers were detained by the Thai side following the formal commencement of the ceasefire, and they have not yet been released and returned to Cambodia.

The spokesperson spoke on Monday (Aug. 11) during a press conference.

“Since 29 July 2025 at 7:50 a.m., immediately after the ceasefire took effect, our forces were unlawfully detained by Thai soldiers. Up to now, 13 days later as of 11 August 2025. Cambodia calls on the Thai side to immediately return all 18 of our forces in accordance with international humanitarian law and in line with the strong appeals of many partner countries and international organisations,” the spokesperson underscored.

Maly Socheata reiterated that the Ministry of National Defence, the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, and the international community will continue to demand their release until the Thai side fulfils its obligations under international law.

According to the spokesperson, Cambodia firmly and clearly reaffirms its unwavering commitment to fully respecting and strictly implementing all provisions of the ceasefire agreement, as well as the spirit and understandings reached at the Extraordinary General Border Committee (GBC) Meeting on 7 August 2025.

Cambodia remains committed to working in good faith and closely cooperating with Thailand, Malaysia, other ASEAN member states, and all relevant partners to ensure the effective and full implementation of the ceasefire and to resolve all disputes peacefully in accordance with international law, the UN Charter, and the ASEAN Charter.
=FRESH NEWS