Thai military spokesperson Winthai Suvaree rejected Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet's request for the immediate return of Cambodian soldiers captured on the morning of 29/7. Winthai stated the soldiers face charges of "crossing into Thai territory" and must undergo legal proceedings under Thai law before repatriation.

Commander of Thailand's 2nd Army Region, Boonsin Padklang, conveyed a similar message to Malaysian Armed Forces chief Mohammad Nizam Bin Haji Jaffar during a meeting on 29/7. He affirmed that Bangkok would act in accordance with international regulations and pledged the Cambodian soldiers "will be returned after the legal process is completed".

Thai military spokesperson Winthai Suvaree on 30/7. Photo: Khaosod

Thai military spokesperson Winthai Suvaree on 30/7. Photo: Khaosod

Thai Deputy Defense Minister Nattapol Nakpanich denied allegations that the Thai military "kidnapped 20 Cambodian soldiers," asserting that they had violated Thai territory. He emphasized that the Cambodian soldiers "are being treated well," provided with food, personal belongings, and medical care.

"Thailand was prepared to release them, but Cambodia claimed we kidnapped them. Thailand must protect itself by initiating interrogation and recording statements, proving we did not kidnap anyone, before we can repatriate them," he explained.

The Thai military reported that 18 Cambodian soldiers were captured after a clash in the Samtae area of Kantharalak district, Sisaket province. The group consisted of one second lieutenant, two sergeants major, 12 sergeants, and three corporals, one of whom was shot in the right hip and left arm. The Thai military found two dead Cambodian soldiers in the area.

Cambodian Defense Ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata later announced that 21 Cambodian soldiers were captured at the border on the morning of 29/7 while approaching Thai troops to "offer greetings in a spirit of reconciliation." She stated that Thailand has only returned one body.

Socheata said Cambodian army commander-in-chief Vong Pisen asked General Mohammad Nizam to mediate, urging Thailand to quickly return the 20 soldiers and "all others being held."

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

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

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said Phnom Penh didn't publicize the incident initially because the soldiers' fate was uncertain, potentially endangering their lives and negotiations. "Faced with the choice between publicizing information or delaying it to protect soldiers' lives during a period of uncertainty, the government chose to manage information carefully and initiate negotiations for their safe return," he explained.

Fighting between Cambodia and Thailand erupted near Ta Moan Thom temple on the morning of 24/7 and spread along the border. This was the most serious clash between the two neighbors in over 10 years, resulting in 38 deaths: 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. Thai and Cambodian regional commanders agreed to halt troop deployments and movements along the border to enforce the ceasefire.

However, Thailand has repeatedly accused Cambodia of violating the agreement and attacking Thai positions. Phnom Penh denies these claims, insisting on its adherence to the ceasefire and accusing Bangkok of "fabrications and misunderstandings".

Thanh Danh (Nation, Khmer Times, Fresh News, Khaosod)