The Cambodian Human Rights Committee (CHRC) has sent a letter to Volker Türk, UN high commissioner for Human Rights, issuing an urgent appeal regarding the unlawful detention, ill-treatment and only partial repatriation of 20 Cambodian soldiers by the Thai armed forces.
In the August 1 letter, the CHRC stated that it wished to bring Türk’s esteemed attention to a deeply disturbing and unlawful act committed by the Royal Thai Armed Forces which it described as a “gross violation of international humanitarian law, human rights law and universally accepted principles of justice and human dignity”.
It explained that following a mutually agreed-upon ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand in the recent armed hostilities near the Preah Vihear Temple and adjacent border regions, Thai military forces unlawfully detained 20 healthy and capable Cambodian soldiers under false pretences. This act occurred after the ceasefire was in effect, and thus constituted a grave breach of trust and of international law governing armed conflict.
On 1 August 2025, the Thai military returned only two of the twenty soldiers.
“Tragically, both returned soldiers were found to be in severely deteriorated physical and mental condition:
One has sustained physical disability,” it noted.
“The other is suffering from severe psychological trauma and mental disorder, presumed to be the result of inhuman and degrading treatment while in captivity,” added the letter.
It suggested that these facts strongly indicate a serious violation regarding the treatment of the captured Cambodian soldiers and their rights, as well as a pattern of torture, ill-treatment, and denial of medical care and communication, all of which are in direct violation of multiple international legal instruments.
The CHRC emphasised that Cambodian demands the “immediate and unconditional release and repatriation of the remaining 18 Cambodian soldiers in Thai custody”.
In addition, it demanded an independent and impartial investigation by the UN or relevant international bodies into the unlawful capture after ceasefire and the torture, injury or neglect inflicted on the two repatriated Cambodian soldiers.
Medical assistance, rehabilitation and psychological support for all victim and accountability measures against the perpetrators in accordance with international law were also sought.
It noted that Cambodia is a peace-loving nation with a long history of resilience, having endured decades of conflict and striving tirelessly to secure lasting peace, stability and regional harmony.
In the spirit of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence, Cambodia has adhered to the recent ceasefire agreement with Thailand, it added, reaffirming its commitment to finding and building peace through dialogue and cooperation.
Cambodia highly values the efforts of the international community and expresses its profound appreciation for the May 28 joint press release issued by the governments of Malaysia, Cambodia and Thailand, which announced the ceasefire. It followed a special meeting chaired, hosted, and witnessed by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya, Malaysia, it explained.
Under the initiative of US President Donald Trump, this important initiative was attended by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. It was co-organised by the US, with the active participation of China, and demonstrated a shared resolve to pursue a peaceful resolution to the ongoing situation through diplomatic means, international law and regional solidarity.
