Even as Cambodia calls for Thailand to respect the ceasefire and release its captured soldiers, a Royal Thai Army spokesperson has described the arrest of the troops after the ceasefire as “lawful” and expressed concerns that their release could lead to retaliation.
Since their July 29 capture, two of the men have been released; one with serious physical injuries and the other suffering from mental health issues. The body of a deceased soldier was also returned. The defence ministry has repeatedly called for Thailand to release the 18 remaining detained soldiers immediately and adhere to international humanitarian standards.
Thai media outlet NBT World reported on August 11, that the Thai army defended the detention of the men as “lawful” without providing further details. The media quoted Thai Army spokesperson Winthai Suvaree, who said, “Their detention will remain in place until the ceasefire is fully upheld, to prevent the detainees from returning to combat against Thai forces.”
Cambodian authorities have reported multiple instances of Thai forces violating the ceasefire. In response, Winthai suggested that Cambodia should honour the ceasefire agreement and maintain stability along the border.
Among the violations recorded by the defence ministry since the July 28 ceasefire was the laying of barbed wire inside Cambodian territory.
Following a second ceasefire agreement, on August 7, further violations were reported.
On August 10, tensions nearly escalated into an armed confrontation when Thai soldiers were allegedly digging trenches and placing sandbags near Ta Mone Temple, according to local Cambodian officers.
Thai soldiers have also reportedly used slingshots to target Cambodian soldiers with marbles and ball bearings at night and, in some instances, entered Cambodian-controlled areas.
The Thais have claimed that several of their soldiers were injured by landmines since the ceasefire, alleging that Cambodian troops planted new mines, a claim that Cambodia has categorically denied.
Amid ongoing reports of ceasefire violations, the fate of the 18 detained Cambodian soldiers appears uncertain.
