The Thai forces detained 18 Cambodian soldiers after a ceasefire agreement. News of the 18 Cambodian soldiers captured by Thailand has sparked growing public outcry. It has also intensified diplomatic efforts across Southeast Asia. Families of the detained have made heartfelt appeals. Emotionally distraught mothers and spouses are urging both Cambodian authorities and the international community to intervene. They seek the safe return of their loved ones.
Among them is Mrs. Yong. Her son Chantha remains in Thai custody weeks after being captured. The capture occurred during what was meant to be a symbolic post-ceasefire handshake between troops. As pressure mounts on the Thai military, people are questioning the legality of the detentions. They are also questioning adherence to international humanitarian law,. Furthermore, they are concerned about the overall stability of Cambodian-Thai relations.
The pressure to free them is growing on the Thai army. Mrs. Yong and the families of the other soldiers appealed for immediate assistance. They reached out to the international community and the Cambodian authorities to ensure their return. “I miss my son and am so worried.
He has been missing for a long time. I am constantly waiting for news of his release. I am waiting for the Thai authorities to release him,” Mrs. Yong stated. She raised her hands in the traditional appeal and showed a picture of her son with a tear-stained face. In this situation, she emphasized the emotional toll the detention had taken on her family. And called for immediate intervention to secure his release.
She begged the international community to seek justice for her son, who is still in custody despite the ceasefire. Chantha, 35, was one of 21 Cambodian soldiers who were detained by Thai forces on July 29. Two others have been freed, and one has since escaped. Chantha has served in the Cambodian military for eight years. He is the only son among seven siblings in his family. Mrs. Yong expressed her worry and anxiety. She was concerned about losing contact with her son after the ceasefire. This anxiety is due to his illegal capture.
She found out later that he was still alive and held in Thai custody. Photographs of Chantha, along with those of his fellow soldiers, were widely circulated online. Cambodia has urged Thailand to release the remaining 18 soldiers, after two soldiers were returned on August 1.
The two repatriated soldiers were Second Lieutenant Ang Oeung, 37, and Master Sergeant Mom Vuthy, 53. Both appeared to be in poor condition when they were returned. One was transported in a wheelchair due to injury. While the other arrived barefoot and appeared to be suffering from a psychiatric condition. A day after another soldier’s body was returned, the two were freed.
The Cambodian soldiers were illegally detained by Thai troops a day after the ceasefire went into effect. “On the morning of July 29, 2025, the ceasefire took effect. Immediately after this, the Thai armed forces arrested Cambodian military personnel illegally.
The Ministry of National Defence posted this on its official Facebook page yesterday. “As of August 18, 2025, they have been detained unlawfully for 20 days.” The incident reportedly occurred during a planned post-ceasefire handshake. Troops on both sides met in the “Choam Te” battlefield zone in Preah Vihear province. Major General Chan Sopheaktra, the Provincial Military Commander, provided this information.
The Cambodian military claims that Thai forces detained its Cambodian counterparts without provocation. The Thai counterparts approached them to greet them in the spirit of the ceasefire. Ros Nan is the wife of frontline soldier Phan Kien from Stung Treng province.
She has expressed deep concern for her husband in detention. Nan shared her anguish on social media, fearing for his safety and possible mistreatment. “When will they be released? I am not aware of their condition. I hope my husband is safe and returns soon and hope he will return to my family and me. Every day, I wait for news. I hope my husband makes it safely home.
She stated, “I deeply miss him.” Mrs. Yong lives in the village of Koub. It is in the commune of Kouk Khpos. The commune is located in the district of Banteay Ampil. This district is in the province of Oddar Meanchey. She described the emotional strain brought on by the breakup. She said that she hasn’t seen her son much since he joined the military in 2021.
This absence makes his current detention even more difficult. Mrs. Yong’s appeal highlights the human impact of cross-border security tensions. It also reflects the growing concern among Cambodian families regarding the detention of citizens abroad. Authorities and advocacy groups urge Chantha’s safe return. They also call for the return of the other detained soldiers. Although the Thai army had promised to release the soldiers earlier this month, the commitment has not been fulfilled.
Thailand has officially designated the 18 Cambodian soldiers as prisoners of war (POWs) following the 1949 Geneva Conventions. Thai media reported this designation. Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, claims that Cambodia has been active. They have been urging Thai forces to fully respect the ceasefire agreement. They want the 18 military personnel returned to Cambodia. This is so the soldiers can reunite with their families, who have been waiting days and nights.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) visited the soldiers in Thailand. It has confirmed to Cambodian authorities that “they are all safe and in good health.” Lieutenant General Rath Dararoth, Secretary of State for the Ministry of National Defence, confirmed this further. He met with Lloyd Gillett, the Regional Military Delegate of the ICRC.
The plight of the detained Cambodian soldiers continues to highlight the fragility of peace in the region. It also shows the human cost of unresolved border tensions. The Thai military has provided reassurances. The ICRC has confirmed that the detainees are safe. Despite this, the delay in their release continues. This delay has caused deep distress among families. It has also raised international concerns.
Diplomatic dialogues are ongoing. These include high-level meetings between defense officials and ASEAN mediation. The urgency of repatriating the soldiers remains paramount. For families like Mrs. Yong’s and Nan’s, every passing day brings a mix of hope and fear. Their unwavering appeals highlight the urgent need for transparency. It emphasizes the importance of adhering to ceasefire commitments. Compassion must take priority in resolving this cross-border humanitarian issue.
