Cambodian Army Stays Vigilant To Protect National Sovereignty
Preah Vihear — Senior Cambodian military and Ministry of Defence officials have informed military attachés and diplomats from 13 countries that Thai soldiers illegally captured several Cambodian troops—one of whom escaped and two feared dead—despite the ceasefire agreement officially going into effect the previous day.
The incident reportedly took place during a planned post-ceasefire handshake between troops from both sides in the disputed “Choam Te” battlefield zone.
According to the Cambodian military, when Cambodian soldiers approached to exchange greetings with their Thai counterparts in line with the spirit of the ceasefire, Thai forces suddenly turned their weapons on them and arrested them without provocation.
“One of our soldiers managed to flee,” said Major General Chan Sopheaktra, who briefed the foreign delegations during a field inspection at the An Ses border checkpoint in Preah Vihear. “We suspect two others may have died, but the rest are still being held by the Thai military, with no signs of release as of this afternoon.”
The disclosure was made during a formal visit by senior Ministry of National Defence officials who led the delegation of foreign diplomats, military attachés, and international partners to monitor the situation and verify implementation of the ceasefire agreement, which officially began at 2:00 PM on 28 July 2025.
Lieutenant General Rath Dararoth, Secretary of State at the Ministry of National Defence, has demanded the release of the captured soldiers while briefing the attachés.
The Cambodian side reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the ceasefire and appealed for international pressure to ensure the safe and immediate release of its detained personnel.
KHMER TIMES
Commentary and Legal insights
Analysis:
The Cambodian Army has declared it will remain on full alert to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty amid fragile ceasefire conditions along the Thai border. Military leaders reaffirmed their commitment to defending territorial integrity while stressing that Cambodia continues to uphold the ceasefire agreement in good faith. They called on the international community to support efforts for the safe return of displaced civilians and to assist in restoring border communities, underscoring that Cambodia’s posture is defensive and in line with international legal obligations.
Legal Insight:
(1) Right to Self-Defence and Sovereignty - Article 51 of the UN Charter: Cambodia has the inherent rights of self-defence if threatened with an armed attack.
(2) Complaince with ceasefire obligations- Customary International Law on ceasefire agreement, article 2(2)(e) peaceful settlement of disputes of ASEAN Charter provisions, and if applicable, UN-brokered or ICJ provisional measures
(3) Protection of Civilians to ensure safe return of dispaced civilians- Art. 49 and 59 of 4th Geneva Convention, Art. 69 and 70 of Additional protocol I
(4) International Community Engagement - UN Charter Chapters VI & VIII