According to the reports on Thursday (31 July), Cambodia has called on Thailand to release 20 of its soldiers who were detained during recent border clashes, accusing the Thai military of violating a recently agreed ceasefire. The Cambodian government claims that one of the detained soldiers died while in Thai custody, and has demanded the immediate return of all its personnel. Prime Minister Hun Manet issued a strong statement urging the Thai authorities to act promptly, while a senior Cambodian defense official confirmed the soldier’s death, though specific details remain undisclosed.
The ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand was brokered by Malaysia and backed by U.S. diplomatic efforts. It came into effect at midnight on Monday following five days of intense fighting that killed at least 43 people, mostly civilians, and displaced over 300,000 individuals along the contested border. Despite the truce, Thailand has accused Cambodia of breaching the agreement, allegations which Cambodia has denied while highlighting what it says are unjust detentions and mistreatment by Thai forces.
Thailand’s military leadership, including Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri, stated that the Cambodian troops had surrendered voluntarily and mentioned that two of them are receiving medical care. Acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai denied any ceasefire violations by Thai forces and assured that an investigation into the detainees’ situation is ongoing. He reiterated that both sides had agreed to refrain from military buildup along the 817-kilometer border and to return the wounded and the deceased in accordance with the truce.
The border conflict stems from long-standing territorial disputes, especially around the Ta Moan Thom and Preah Vihear temple areas, which have triggered violence over the years. On Wednesday, Cambodia took foreign diplomats and military attachés to a border site to show compliance with the ceasefire. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly pressured both governments to halt hostilities by linking continued trade deals to peace. Ahead of an August 1 tariff deadline, both countries reached agreements with the U.S., which currently imposes a 36% tariff on their exports.
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Cambodia demands release of 20 soldiers as Thai custody death sparks ceasefire tensions
