The Cambodian army said on 29/7 that about 20 of its soldiers were detained by Thailand in the disputed Choam Te area in Preah Vihear province, just hours after a ceasefire between the two countries took effect.

Major General Chan Sopheaktra, head of the Preah Vihear Provincial Command of Cambodia, said the soldiers were captured while "approaching Thai forces to greet them in a spirit of reconciliation." He accused Thai forces of "suddenly drawing their weapons and arresting them without any provocation."

Among those captured, two soldiers reportedly died and one escaped. Cambodian officials said the Thai army promised to release the soldiers on the morning of 29/7, but had not yet done so.

Thai soldiers stand next to alleged Cambodian soldiers in a photo released on 29/7. Photo: *Thai Army*

Prime Minister Hun Manet said the same day that Cambodia was waiting for Thailand to return the soldiers, affirming their lives were the top priority. He called for controlling information about the soldiers, as publicity could endanger their lives or complicate negotiations.

The Thai army announced on 29/7 that it had detained 18 Cambodian soldiers after a clash in the Samtae area, Kantharalak district, Sisaket province. Kantharalak district in Thailand borders Cambodia, including the area of Preah Vihear temple.

According to the Thai army, the incident occurred after Cambodia ceased fire into Thai territory. Thailand then deployed special forces to respond and pushed Cambodian soldiers out of several positions.

"During this operation, some Cambodian soldiers surrendered, showing no threatening attitude or behavior towards Thai forces. The special forces unit disarmed and detained them according to procedures, complying with international humanitarian principles," the Thai army said.

The 18 captured Cambodian soldiers included one second lieutenant, two sergeants major, 12 sergeants, two corporals, and one lance corporal. One soldier was shot in the right hip and left arm and underwent surgery at a hospital. The Thai army also reported finding two dead Cambodian soldiers in the area.

"We are holding the Cambodian soldiers at a location within the area managed by the 2nd Army Region, ensuring basic living conditions such as clothing, food, water, and medical treatment when needed. We are doing this in accordance with military conventions and international humanitarian principles," the Thai army said.

Thailand will carry out procedures related to the captured Cambodian soldiers, as well as repatriate the bodies of the deceased.

Location of Ta Muan Thom temple and other disputed temples between Cambodia and Thailand. Graphic: *CNA*

Fighting between Cambodia and Thailand broke out near Ta Moan Thom temple on the morning of 24/7 and later spread to other areas along the border. This was the most serious clash between the two neighbors in over 10 years, resulting in a total of 38 deaths, including 25 in Thailand and 13 in Cambodia.

Cambodia and Thailand reached a ceasefire agreement on 28/7 after talks in Malaysia mediated by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Leaders of the Thai and Cambodian military regions agreed not to deploy or move additional forces along the border to implement the ceasefire.

However, Thailand has repeatedly accused Cambodia of violating the agreement and attacking Thai military positions. Phnom Penh denied the accusations, asserting it had always adhered to the ceasefire and accusing Bangkok of "fabricating and creating misunderstandings."

Nguyen Tien (According to *Khmer Times*, *Nation Thailand*, *AFP*, *AP*)