Body of Cambodian Soldier Returned As Kingdom Demands Safe Release Of 20 Others Held By Thailand
The body of a Cambodian soldier has been returned to authorities, days after he and 20 others were reportedly captured by Thai forces during heightened border tensions.
The grim development has intensified Cambodia’s demand for the safe and immediate repatriation of the remaining 20 troops.
At a press conference this morning, Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, confirmed that of the 21 Cambodian personnel detained, only one—deceased—has been sent back. She did not disclose the soldier’s name or the cause of death but stressed that efforts are underway to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“We have so far received the body of one soldier,” Socheata said. “The remaining 20 are still under Thai custody, and we are urging the Thai side to return them safely and without further delay.”
The soldier’s death has raised serious concerns in Cambodia, with the Ministry of Defense pledging not to rest until all troops are accounted for. The incident comes amid a fragile ceasefire between the two countries following a flare-up along the border last week.
“Our most important priority is to protect our territory, safeguard the lives of our citizens and soldiers, and maintain peace,” General Mali declared. “We will not allow war to break out again.”
She called on the Cambodian public to remain calm and to place their trust in the Royal Government and armed forces, whom she described as bravely defending the homeland “with deep national spirit and unwavering courage.”
The ministry is now ramping up diplomatic efforts to secure the safe release of the detained troops. According to Socheata, Cambodian Defense Minister Tea Banh has been in direct contact with his acting Thai counterpart, while the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces has appealed to the Malaysian military to intervene and help resolve the issue.
“We will continue negotiations by every possible means to bring our soldiers home safely,” she said. “We urge the Thai side to return our 20 personnel immediately—and any others who may be under their control.”
She also reiterated that Cambodia’s armed forces leadership has never and will never abandon any of its soldiers, regardless of the situation.
“The Royal Government, the Ministry of National Defense, and the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces stand firmly with our troops,” she said.
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Commentary and Legal insights
Analysis:
Cambodia confirmed the return of one soldier’s body and is pressing for the safe release of 20 others detained by Thailand amid the fragile ceasefire. Thai authorities acknowledge holding 18 soldiers, offering assurances of care and eventual repatriation post-permanent truce. Without independent oversight, however, concerns remain over detainee rights and compliance with international obligations under the Geneva Conventions.
Legal Insight:
Under international human rights law, and as outlined in the Third Geneva Convention, prisoners of war and detainees must be treated humanely and repatriated without undue delay. While Thailand’s detention of Cambodian soldiers without formal charges is permissible under strict custodial standards, such detention requires access for independent monitoring and adherence to clear timelines. Cambodia’s call for the safe release and transparent handling of its soldiers aligns with the principles of humane treatment and non‑refoulement, and Thailand’s assurances of proper care provide a baseline of compliance.
Note: The absence of independent oversight raises questions about accountability. Cambodia’s public presentation of the returned soldier’s body and insistence on the release of remaining detainees also serve as both a pressure tool and a means of shaping ceasefire narratives and building—or testing—trust between the parties.