Thai - Cambodia Conflict Thailand to Repatriate 20 Cambodian Soldiers amid Tensions

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Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

In a delicate diplomatic move, Thailand is set to repatriate 20 Cambodian soldiers on Friday through the Chong Chom permanent border checkpoint in Surin province. This comes amid efforts to counter false reports from Cambodia accusing Thailand of abducting the soldiers, as disclosed by a military source.

 

The situation has escalated following clashes in Si Sa Ket province's Sam Taet area, where the Cambodian soldiers were found on Thai territory on Tuesday. The presence of these soldiers has led to a flurry of accusations and denials between the two nations, particularly in Cambodian media.

 

According to the Second Army Region, the soldiers have been treated humanely, aligned with international humanitarian principles. Among those to return, one soldier sustained a broken arm, and another suffered psychological trauma from combat exposure.

 

Thailand’s military has emphasised that this handover is a demonstration of their commitment to international norms and serves to correct misleading narratives circulating about the incident. The Royal Thai Army has strongly refuted Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet's claims that the soldiers were abducted.

 

Army spokesman Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree clarified the situation, explaining that the soldiers surrendered peacefully. “We treated them as soldiers, not criminals. From the start, we've upheld international law,” he stated. “Some have tried to label the situation as an abduction. This is incorrect and could affect our international standing.”

 

The soldiers are currently under Thai custody, charged with illegal entry. Maj Gen Winthai noted that further charges, such as possession of weapons, would depend on investigation outcomes.

 

Deputy Defence Minister Gen Nattaphon Narkphanit, who heads the ad-hoc Thai-Cambodian border conflict management centre, reassured that the detained soldiers received proper care, including medical treatment. He responded to Cambodia's kidnapping allegations, stating, “The most effective way to respond to misinformation is with facts. It may not be swift, but truth always yields better results.”

 

Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai added that the soldiers crossed the border following a Thai-Cambodian ceasefire declaration. Efforts to resolve this misunderstanding are ongoing.

 

The Khmer Times reported that, according to Cambodian Ministry of Defence spokesman Lt Gen Maly Socheata, Cambodia has received the body of one soldier, while the rest remain detained.

 

This episode underscores the complexities of cross-border military engagements and highlights the importance of transparent communication between nations to prevent further misunderstanding or escalation. As both countries work to mend ties, the region watches closely, hoping for a diplomatic resolution that respects sovereignty and international goodwill.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-08-01