(Phnom Penh): Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defence, said that the 18 Cambodian troops currently under Thai control have not yet been returned, except for two injured soldiers who were sent back on 1 August. Cambodia continues to urge Thailand to return the remaining soldiers promptly and in accordance with international humanitarian law.

Maly Socheata spoke on Monday (Aug. 4) during a press conference. 

“As for the 18 soldiers under Thai control since the early morning of 29 July 2025, Thailand has not returned them yet, except for two wounded soldiers who were repatriated on 1 August. Cambodia continues to urge Thailand to swiftly return the remaining soldiers in compliance with international humanitarian law,” the spokesperson underscored. 

She added that the Royal Government of Cambodia is continuing to engage in careful negotiations with the Thai side, and has also appealed to Malaysia, the current ASEAN Chair, to intervene and help ensure the swift return of all 18 Cambodian heroes.

The spokesperson reaffirmed that the Ministry of National Defence and the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) never leave any soldier behind under any circumstances.
=FRESH NEWS