Cambodia Calls for ‘Prompt and Unconditional’ Release of Detained Soldiers

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec.4,2025)— Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Wednesday it is continuing diplomatic efforts to secure the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers held in Thailand for 127 days.

In a statement, the ministry’s spokesperson said the soldiers were “unlawfully taken captive” on July 29 and that Phnom Penh had pursued “every possible diplomatic avenue” to secure their return.

Efforts have included direct engagement with Thailand, outreach to regional and international leaders, and cooperation with international organizations, the statement said.

The International Committee of the Red Cross, which has been involved since the soldiers’ detention, has provided updates to their families and monitored their treatment. The ministry said the ICRC has also indicated it is ready to assist in any future repatriation process.

The spokesperson said the soldiers’ release remains the government’s “highest priority” and expressed gratitude to governments, international organizations and civil society groups that have urged their return, including signatories of the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration issued Oct. 26.

Senior Minister Ly Thuch delivered the appeal Monday in Geneva during a meeting with ICRC Vice President Gilles Carbonnier on the sidelines of the 22nd Meeting of States Parties to the Ottawa Convention.

Thuch asked the ICRC to continue monitoring the soldiers’ well-being and to encourage Thailand to release them without delay. He expressed appreciation for the ICRC’s cooperation and stressed that the soldiers were unlawfully detained by the Thai military.

Carbonnier reaffirmed that the ICRC will keep monitoring their conditions and continue engaging with all relevant parties.

Political analyst Kin Phea accused Thailand of breaching international humanitarian law by holding 18 Cambodian soldiers for more than four months after a border clash, warning the prolonged detention may amount to hostage-taking under the Geneva Conventions and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.

Phea said the failure to release the soldiers “on time” violated the KL Peace Accord, which he noted was supported by U.S. President Donald J. Trump and ASEAN Chair Anwar Ibrahim.

He urged Washington and ASEAN to exert pressure on Thailand, suggesting tariffs or diplomatic sanctions. “ASEAN and the United States should take action,” he said, warning that inaction “would weaken U.S. influence.”