Cambodia has asked for the release of a group of nearly 20 soldiers who taken prisoner by Thai soldiers on July 29, hours after the ceasefire began. Officials said they were remaining calm, to respect the ceasefire and de-escalate tensions on the border.
Suos Yara, a member of the Cambodian National Assembly, told a journalist travelling with foreign military attachés on a tour of the border region today, July 30, that Cambodia believed that the men should be released immediately.
“They are in the custody of the Thais, at least they confirmed that they had them,” said Yara, in a video shot by journalist Sun Narin.
He explained that Thai soldiers came onto Cambodian territory seemingly for a friendly talk, then levelled their weapons and forced the surrender of the troops.
According to Yara, the Thais breached the ceasefire, but the Cambodian side stayed calm, hoping that this would de-escalate the situation.
“We don’t want to use this as escalation, but we want their release. Right now, that is the most important thing,” he added.
He called on the world to join Cambodia in forcing Thailand to respect the ceasefire agreement. He also noted that if Cambodia and Thailand are at war, ASEAN will not be peaceful.
Yara also explained that out of respect for the dead and wounded, as well as the current ceasefire, military and civilian casualty figures will be released in the future. He added that the figures are not being kept secret to avoid affecting public opinion.
He expressed his wish to see neutral observers posted to keep an eye on the border situation to ensure that the ceasefire is upheld.
