BANGKOK, Thailand – The Royal Thai Army has defended the detention of 18 Cambodian soldiers, affirming that the action complies with international law and humanitarian standards. The response follows a Cambodian Ministry of National Defense statement claiming the soldiers were being held unlawfully and calling for their immediate repatriation.
Army spokesperson Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree said the detention is lawful under the Geneva Conventions and other international legal frameworks, adding that the soldiers remain under full protection as prescribed by those standards. He noted international bodies have been given access to the detainees since the early days of their capture, including a visit by an international delegation on August 5.
According to Thai officials, the soldiers were detained on July 29, shortly after the ceasefire was announced. The Army Spokesperson stated that the detention will remain in place until the ceasefire is conclusively upheld to prevent the detainees from returning to combat against Thai forces.
Maj Gen Winthai added that Cambodia should instead direct its attention toward other issues that could demonstrate sincerity in honoring the ceasefire agreement and help maintain stability along the border. (NNT)
