Published: 16:41, July 31, 2025
Cambodia urges Thailand to release captured Cambodian soldiers
By Xinhua
Cambodian soldiers tride a truck equipped with a Russian-made BM-21 rocket launcher in Cambodia's northern Oddar Meanchey province, which borders Thailand, on July 27, 2025. (PHOTO / AFP)

PHNOM PENH/BANGKOK - Cambodia on Thursday called on Thailand to release 20 Cambodian soldiers that it captured after a ceasefire took effect, said a Cambodian defense spokesperson.

Speaking in a press briefing, Cambodian Defense Ministry's Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson, Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, said the Thai soldiers took 21 Cambodian soldiers under control on July 29 at 7:30 am local time.

"So far, we have received one dead soldier," she said. "We call on Thai side to send all 20 military personnel back to Cambodia as soon as possible."

READ MORE: Thailand, Cambodia agree on ceasefire, says Malaysian PM

Socheata said Cambodia, with the mediation from Malaysia, the current chair of ASEAN, is negotiating with Thailand on this issue.

Military attaches and diplomats from 13 countries observe the implementation of the Cambodia–Thailand ceasefire agreement next to a destroyed building by the An Ses border checkpoint in Cambodia's Preah Vihear province on July 30, 2025. (PHOTO / AFP)

READ MORE: Cambodia closes 2 more border checkpoints with Thailand

The Thai army said on Thursday that the detained Cambodian soldiers would be repatriated after legal procedure.

The Thai army said the Cambodian soldiers are being handled in accordance with international law and that they will be sent back once legal procedures are completed.

On July 24, armed clashes erupted between Cambodian and Thai soldiers in border areas. The two countries agreed on an immediate and unconditional ceasefire on Monday afternoon, taking effect at midnight on Monday.