Thai military anticipates the return of 18 Cambodian soldiers upon establishment of a lasting truce
In a significant development, Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to a ceasefire effective from midnight on July 28, following intense border clashes. The agreement was reached through secretariat-level discussions facilitated by Malaysia and involves monitoring by the interim ASEAN Defence Attache Observer Team (AOT) comprising several ASEAN countries [1][2].
The ceasefire comes after 18 Cambodian soldiers were detained by Thai authorities following the occupation of the Sam Tae area in Kantharalak district of Si Sa Ket province. The soldiers surrendered without resistance, laying down their weapons, and were armed at the time of their detention [3].
As of early August 2025, while a basic consensus on ceasefire implementation exists, some details are still being finalized during the Extraordinary General Border Committee meeting. The care and conditions of the 18 Cambodian soldiers in Thai custody are not publicly disclosed. However, it is known that Thailand transferred the injured soldiers to a hospital for treatment [4].
Jirayu Huangsap, a government spokesman and a member of the Ad Hoc Centre for the Thailand-Cambodia Border Situation, made the statement on Wednesday. Jirayu expects the Thai military to return the soldiers once a permanent ceasefire is in effect [5].
On July 29, the bodies of two deceased Cambodian soldiers were returned to Cambodia. The details regarding their deaths are not explicitly stated [6].
As the situation continues to evolve, both countries are working towards stabilizing the border and resolving the ongoing issues. The focus remains on ensuring a peaceful resolution and the safe return of all soldiers involved.
[1] Thailand, Cambodia Agree on Ceasefire Terms [2] ASEAN to Monitor Thailand-Cambodia Ceasefire [3] Cambodian Soldiers Detained in Si Sa Ket Province [4] Thailand Transfers Injured Cambodian Soldiers to Hospital [5] Thai Government Spokesman on the Detained Cambodian Soldiers [6] Two Deceased Cambodian Soldiers Returned to Cambodia
- The 'international community' is closely following the recent developments in the 'war-and-conflicts' between Thailand and Cambodia, with 'politics' and 'general-news' outlets extensively covering the ceasefire agreement and the exchange of detained soldiers.
- The 'crime-and-justice' aspect of the current situation is also a concern, as the conditions and ondeal of the 18 Cambodian soldiers in Thai custody remain uncertain, pending a permanent ceasefire and their safe return.
