Cambodia Says Thai National Repatriated After Illegal Border Crossing

PHNOM PENH, May 15, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense said Friday it has repatriated a Thai national detained after crossing illegally into Oddar Meanchey province last month.

In a statement, ministry spokeswoman Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata said the man entered “deep into Cambodian territory” on April 26 and was detained in accordance with Cambodian law.

He was handed over at 10:59 a.m. on May 15 through the Choam International Border Checkpoint in Anlong Veng district.

The transfer was coordinated under the Cambodia‑Thailand Regional Border Committee (RBC) following a Thai request submitted on May 13.

Brig. Gen. Nit Narong, head of the RBC Secretariat for Cambodia’s Military Region 4, oversaw the process, while Maj. Gen. Kamphanat Waphansuk, chief of staff and secretary‑general of Thailand’s RBC Army Area 2, received the detainee.

The ministry said the handover was conducted “strictly in accordance with humanitarian principles.”

Officials from both sides also held talks to strengthen cooperation, build trust, and counter misinformation, reaffirming commitments to existing border agreements aimed at maintaining peace and stability.

Thai representatives expressed appreciation for Cambodia’s cooperation.