SISAKET, Thailand – The Royal Thai Army has confirmed the detention of 18 Cambodian soldiers after a cavalry unit conducted an operation against Cambodian forces in the Sam Tae area, Kantharalak District, Sisaket Province. The soldiers surrendered without resistance and were disarmed in accordance with strict international humanitarian principles before being processed through relevant legal procedures.
Maj. Gen. Winthai Suwaree, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army, reported that the 2nd Army Region conducted the operation following clashes triggered when Cambodian forces fired heavy and curved trajectory weapons into Thai territory. In response, Thai cavalry units carried out a counter-operation targeting Cambodian positions.
During the operation, several Cambodian soldiers surrendered peacefully. The detained soldiers include ranks of Second Lieutenant (1), Staff Sergeant (2), Sergeant (12), Corporal (2), and Lance Corporal (1). Among them, one soldier, Sergeant Mom Ridti, sustained gunshot wounds to the right hip and left arm and was immediately transferred to a hospital for surgery. Additionally, two Cambodian soldiers were found deceased at the site.
All detained Cambodian soldiers are currently held in a secure area under the 2nd Army Region’s control, where basic necessities such as clothing, food, drinking water, and medical care are provided as needed. The Thai military emphasized adherence to international military practices and strict observance of humanitarian principles in the treatment of detainees.
Regarding the deceased soldiers, the Thai side will return the bodies according to internationally recognized procedures for dignified treatment of war casualties.
The Royal Thai Army reaffirmed its commitment to human rights, international humanitarian law, and obligations under the Geneva Conventions concerning the humane treatment of prisoners of war and the deceased. (TNA)
