Despite a ceasefire agreement, the armed conflict with Cambodia has not truly ended, Thai military spokesperson Winthai Suvaree said on 2/8.

"Therefore, the detention of the Cambodian soldiers captured on 29/7 remains permissible under the Geneva Conventions and international law. The Royal Thai Army has planned and is ready to invite international organizations, such as the ICRC and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), to assess the condition of the prisoners of war," Winthai said.

The Thai military announced on 29/7 that it had captured 18 Cambodian soldiers following a clash in the Samtae area of Sisaket province, a day after the two countries reached a ceasefire agreement. The Thai military also reported finding two dead Cambodian soldiers in the area.

Thai military spokesperson Winthai Suvaree during a press conference on 22/7. Photo: Nation

Thai military spokesperson Winthai Suvaree during a press conference on 22/7. Photo: Nation

The Cambodian military accused Thailand of capturing the soldiers while they were "approaching to offer greetings in a spirit of reconciliation", while Bangkok said they had surrendered.

On 1/8, the Thai military repatriated two Cambodian soldiers through a border crossing, but has not released the other 16 captured personnel. Cambodia accused Thailand of inhumane treatment of the soldiers, as the two repatriated soldiers returned in poor health.

Winthai dismissed the allegations as "disinformation", criticizing Cambodia for attempting to distort the issue and undermine the reputation of the Thai military. He maintained that the detention process was "fully within the framework" of the Geneva Conventions.

Cambodia has not commented on Thailand's invitation to international organizations.

Duc Trung (Bangkok Post, Khmer Times)