Returned Cambodian Troops Under Thai Military Escort
The Thai and Cambodian governments agreed to a ceasefire on July 28, 2025, ending a week-long conflict that began on July 24. The truce, mediated by Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, also involved US and Chinese envoys. Both sides have agreed to discuss further border issues in upcoming negotiations, with meetings scheduled in Malaysia and informal talks in Shanghai confirming the ceasefire commitment.
The fighting resulted in numerous casualties, including civilian deaths. Thailand confirmed at least 13 civilian deaths from Cambodian attacks, while Cambodia reported casualties as well. Over 130,000 people were evacuated from conflict areas in Thailand due to the clashes.
During the conflict, intense fighting involving gunfire, artillery, BM-21 rocket launches from Cambodia, and Thai airstrikes took place. In the aftermath, Thailand captured 20 Cambodian soldiers around the ceasefire period. Two wounded soldiers were returned to Cambodia, but 18 remain in Thai custody. Cambodia has demanded their release under international humanitarian law, indicating unresolved tensions regarding detainees despite the ceasefire.
Meanwhile, Second Lt Ang Uang, a Thai soldier, was reported to be showing symptoms of mental distress caused by the fighting. A specialist assessment was conducted for him. However, there is no information about his current condition or status.
In a separate incident, two Cambodian nationals were detained for publishing a false story about a downed F-16. The Cybercrime Police, working with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, are taking steps to shut down and block online sources of disinformation.
Sgt Maj Mom Ritti, another Thai soldier, was found with a broken arm and lacerations on his right hip during the clashes. He received basic medical treatment. Additionally, two Cambodian soldiers stranded in Thai territory were coordinated with security units and immigration police in Surin to be returned. After receiving medical treatment, the soldiers pledged not to rejoin the Cambodian side in any further actions against Thailand.
Physicians recommended that the mentally affected soldier, Second Lt Ang Uang, be returned to his family for care. Another claim, falsely attributed to the Royal Thai Police, about rewards of 100,000 baht being offered for help in capturing drone operators was dismissed.
The Second Region Army stated that all actions regarding the Cambodian soldiers were in accordance with the Geneva Convention. Pol Lt Gen Siriwat Deepo, commander of the Technology Crime Investigation Division 1, is at the forefront of efforts to combat disinformation.
The ceasefire marks a temporary end to the conflict, but unresolved tensions, particularly regarding detained soldiers, remain. Both countries will continue negotiations to address these issues and work towards a lasting peace.
Politics and general news outlets report ongoing tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, with unresolved detainee issues clouding the outcome of their ceasefire agreement. Crime and justice departments in both countries are active in handling incidents related to the conflict, such as detaining Cambodian nationals for publishing false stories about a downed F-16 and addressing the case of Second Lt Ang Uang, a Thai soldier showing symptoms of mental distress after the conflict.
