Timeline: Cambodia-Thailand Border Clashes and Detention of Soldiers (July–August 2025)

July 24 - 28, 2025 – Border Clashes Intense fighting between Thai and Cambodian forces near the border.

Casualties: At least 43 dead, over 300,000 displaced.

Thailand alleges incursions by Cambodian soldiers; Cambodia denies ceasefire violations. July 28, 2025 – Ceasefire Effective

Ceasefire brokered with diplomatic support from Malaysia, China, and the U.S.

Active hostilities officially cease at midnight. July 29, 2025 – Detention of Cambodian Soldiers

Thailand detains 20 Cambodian soldiers.

Cambodia claims detention is unlawful, as soldiers were captured after ceasefire.

Thailand claims soldiers crossed into Thai territory and were involved in hostilities.

July 29 - August 1, 2025 – Repatriation of Two Soldiers

Two soldiers returned: one wounded in combat, one with mental health concerns.

Remaining 18 soldiers continue to be detained.

August 4, 2025 – Diplomatic Briefing

Thailand briefs diplomatic corps and international observers on border situation and detainees’ treatment.

Thai MFA emphasizes compliance with humanitarian standards and Geneva Conventions.

August 7, 2025 – Repatriation Update

Thailand confirms repatriation of two soldiers in line with Geneva Conventions and ICRC guidelines.

No other soldiers released; detention continues.

August 28, 2025 – Landmine Incident

Thai soldiers step on anti-personnel landmines along the border; some injured.

Thai MFA condemns landmine use, urges Cambodia to cooperate on mine clearance.

Legal Note: Landmine incident is a border security concern but does not justify continued detention of Cambodian soldiers post-ceasefire.

Following the ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand on July 29, 2025, 18 Cambodian soldiers remain detained in Thailand, while two wounded soldiers were returned and one died in custody.

Thailand asserts that the soldiers were captured during active hostilities and are being held as prisoners of war (POWs) under the Geneva Conventions, to be repatriated only once hostilities have fully ceased. Cambodia disputes this, emphasizing that the soldiers were detained after the ceasefire, making their capture potentially unlawful.

Under Geneva Convention III, Article 118, POWs must be released and repatriated without delay after the cessation of active hostilities, and both Thailand and Cambodia, as parties to the Convention, are legally bound by its provisions.

The continued detention of these soldiers raises serious legal and diplomatic concerns:

- Unlawful confinement: Prolonged detention without charges or evidence of war crimes may constitute a grave breach of international humanitarian law.

- Individual responsibility: Thai officials who authorize or maintain the detention could face accountability under international law.

- State responsibility: Thailand may face legal challenges, including possible recourse through the International Court of Justice, echoing Cambodia’s past Preah Vihear dispute.

- ASEAN obligations: The detention undermines the ASEAN Charter and Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, which emphasize peaceful dispute resolution.

Without credible evidence of wrongdoing, Thailand has a clear legal duty to release and repatriate the soldiers promptly. Both nations are urged to engage in dialogue and comply with international law and humanitarian principles to resolve this issue.