(Phnom Penh): Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, Spokesperson for Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence, affirmed that according to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) that visited the 18 detained soldiers, all Cambodian soldiers currently held by the Thai side are safe and in good health.

The spokesperson spoke on Saturday (Aug. 9) during a press conference on the implementation of the Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire.

On the afternoon of 8 August 2025, Secretary of State at the Ministry of National Defence, General Rath Dararoth, met with Lloyd Gillett, Regional Military Delegate of the ICRC, to pay a courtesy call and discuss cooperation. During the meeting, Lloyd Gillett also shared information about his visit to the 18 soldiers of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) who were unlawfully detained by the Thai side after the ceasefire entered into effect.

"Regarding the ICRC’s visit, it was confirmed that our soldiers under Thai detention are all safe and in good health," the spokesperson underscored.

According to the spokesperson, Cambodia has requested that the Thai side promptly return all 18 Cambodian troops in accordance with international humanitarian law. The RCAF firmly emphasised that it will never abandon any member, regardless of circumstances. Cambodia hopes the Thai side will release the soldiers as soon as possible, in line with appeals from partner countries and the international community.

The Defence Ministry’s spokesperson reaffirmed Cambodia’s clear and unwavering commitment, as a responsible and law-abiding member of the international community, to respect and faithfully implement the ceasefire effectively and fully, and to resolve disputes through peaceful means in accordance with international law and the ASEAN Charter.
=FRESH NEWS