Cambodian Analysts Accuse Thailand of Violating Geneva Conventions in Soldier Detentions

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 2, 2025) — Cambodian experts and officials have 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.

Political analyst Kin 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.”

Analyst Yang Peou alleged the soldiers were detained “after a ceasefire” and “inside Cambodian territory,” arguing the arrests fall outside prisoner of war status. “This arrest violates international law and the Geneva Conventions,” he said, adding that Thailand is “using them as hostages.”

He further claimed the soldiers’ lives could be at risk, urging the UN Security Council and ASEAN to demand their release.

Professor Deth Sok Udom of Paragon International University said the soldiers may be exploited for intelligence or leverage in negotiations. He cited Article 8 of the Rome Statute, which defines hostage taking as a war crime when used to pressure a state.

“This is a legal matter that should be assessed by international law experts,” he said, warning that prolonged detention risked fueling public resentment and damaging bilateral relations.

Senior Minister Ly Thuch renewed Phnom Penh’s call for their immediate release during talks with International Committee of the Red Cross Vice President Gilles Carbonnier in Geneva.

He asked the ICRC to continue monitoring the soldiers’ welfare and encourage Thailand to comply with humanitarian law and commitments under the bilateral peace agreement.

As of Tuesday, the soldiers had been detained for 126 days. The Cambodian government said Article 5 of the Joint Peace Agreement required their “immediate” release and pledged to use “all available mechanisms” to secure their return, stressing that Cambodia “never abandons its soldiers under any circumstance.”

Officials and analysts agreed the case has become a test of international law and regional diplomacy, with Cambodia pressing for accountability while Thailand has yet to publicly comment on the detentions.