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Thailand Frees Cambodian Soldiers Ahead of Malaysia Ceasefire Talks

The detainment of 18 troops and Cambodia’s demand for their unconditional release have cast a shadow over next week’s Malaysia-hosted meeting to maintain the fragile border truce.

Two Cambodian soldiers (white shirts) who were detained in Thailand, are released from captivity, at O Smach town located near Thailand and Cambodia's border, following a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, Cambodia, August 1, 2025. REUTERS/Soveit Yarn
Two Cambodian soldiers (white shirts) who were detained in Thailand, are released from captivity, at O Smach town located near Thailand and Cambodia's border, following a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, Cambodia, August 1, 2025. REUTERS/Soveit Yarn
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Overview

  • Thailand repatriated two of 20 Cambodian soldiers captured during last week’s clashes and is holding the remaining 18 for alleged immigration law violations, prompting Phnom Penh to demand their immediate release.
  • Defence ministers and military commanders will convene the General Border Committee in Kuala Lumpur from August 4 to 7, with ASEAN, U.S. and Chinese defence attachés invited to observe the talks.
  • Both armies continue to trade accusations of ceasefire breaches and violations of international humanitarian law as observation teams patrol the disputed 817-kilometre frontier.
  • Fortify Rights and Human Rights Watch have urged the United Nations to launch an inquiry into possible war crimes after evidence of indiscriminate rocket and artillery strikes on civilian areas.
  • The White House announced cutting U.S. tariffs on Thai and Cambodian exports from 36% to 19% following President Trump’s intervention to pressure both sides into ending hostilities.