In a deepening border dispute, Cambodia has intensified its call for the immediate release of 18 soldiers detained by Thailand for 26 days, alleging a violation of a ceasefire agreement signed on July 29, 2025. The detention, which Cambodia claims occurred on its sovereign territory, has sparked public outrage and drawn international attention to lingering tensions between the two ASEAN neighbors.
Ceasefire Violation Allegations
The Cambodian Ministry of National Defence has accused Thailand of breaching the ceasefire by detaining the soldiers shortly after the agreement took effect. Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, spokesperson for the ministry, emphasized the urgency of their release during a recent press briefing. “Cambodia urges Thailand to return the soldiers so they can reunite with their families, who are anxiously waiting” she stated on August 23, 2025.
Socheata further underscored Cambodia’s commitment to its military personnel, declaring, “We will never abandon our soldiers.” She highlighted that the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, alongside the international community, would continue to press Thailand to adhere to international law, including obligations under the United Nations and ASEAN Charters. The spokesperson also called for collaborative efforts with Thailand, Malaysia, and other ASEAN members to ensure the ceasefire is fully implemented and disputes are resolved peacefully. 
Public Outcry in Siem Reap
The detention has not only strained diplomatic relations but also ignited widespread frustration among Cambodians. On August 23, 2025, approximately 5,000 people, including monks, students, teachers, and business owners, marched through the streets of Siem Reap city in northwestern Cambodia. The demonstration reflected growing public discontent over the soldiers’ prolonged detention, with protesters asserting that their capture violated Cambodia’s sovereignty.
Churn Chanthou, one of the organizers of the march, expressed mixed emotions about the event. “encouraged by the massive turnout but also saddened by the plight of the families members of the detained soldiers, who had joined the march in tears” he said on the day of the protest. He urged the international community to recognize the unity of Cambodians in demanding Thailand’s full respect for the ceasefire and the release of the 18 soldiers, whom he described as heroes.
A formal statement issued during the march escalated the accusations, claiming that Thai forces detained a total of 20 Cambodian soldiers after the ceasefire, with two returned in what was described as poor condition. The statement also alleged that Thai troops had bombarded Cambodian homes, schools, pagodas, and ancient temples using heavy artillery, cluster munitions, chemical agents, and F-16 aircraft, resulting in significant destruction and displacement. However such claims may be embellished or unsubstantiated given Cambodia’s recent misinformation campaigns. While these claims remain unverified by independent sources, the statement demanded the immediate release of the remaining 18 soldiers and the withdrawal of Thai troops and military obstructions from Cambodian territory.
Thailand’s Position and Humanitarian Measures
In response, Thailand has maintained that it retains the right to hold the Cambodian soldiers as prisoners of war (POWs) under the terms of the ceasefire agreement. Thai authorities argue that the border region remains under a state of ceasefire, necessitating the detention of POWs to prevent potential re-engagement in combat. However, Thailand has emphasized its commitment to international humanitarian law, particularly the 1949 Geneva Conventions, in its treatment of the detained soldiers.
The Royal Thai Army (RTA) has reported that it granted access to the Regional Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Bangkok to visit the 18 Cambodian POWs at their detention facility. According to Thai statements, the soldiers have been provided with three meals per day, dormitories with bedding, water and sanitation facilities, and medical care through a stationed medic sergeant. Thailand has denied allegations of torture or mistreatment, labeling such claims as misinformation, and has assured that the soldiers will be repatriated without delay once hostilities officially end.
Historical Context of Border Tensions
The current standoff is the latest chapter in a long history of border disputes between Cambodia and Thailand, often centered around territorial claims and military skirmishes. The two nations share a complex relationship, marked by periodic conflicts over areas like the Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which has been a flashpoint for decades. Past confrontations have resulted in casualties on both sides, with ceasefire agreements frequently tested by mutual distrust.
The July 29, 2025, ceasefire was intended to de-escalate tensions following recent clashes, though details of the specific incidents leading to the soldiers’ detention remain unclear. Cambodia’s assertion that the soldiers were captured on its territory adds a layer of complexity, as border demarcations in remote areas are often disputed. Analysts note that such incidents risk undermining broader ASEAN efforts to foster regional stability, especially as the bloc seeks to mediate internal disputes among member states.
International and Regional Implications
The detention of the Cambodian soldiers has raised questions about the efficacy of ceasefire agreements in the region and the role of international law in resolving such disputes. Cambodia’s appeal to the principles of the UN and ASEAN Charters signals an intent to internationalize the issue, potentially drawing in mediators or observers from beyond the immediate region. The involvement of ASEAN partners like Malaysia, as mentioned by Socheata, could provide a platform for dialogue, though past mediation attempts have yielded mixed results.
Public demonstrations, such as the one in Siem Reap, also highlight the domestic pressures faced by the Cambodian government to secure the soldiers’ release. The emotional resonance of the issue, evident in the participation of soldiers’ families in the march, underscores the human cost of prolonged detentions. Meanwhile, Thailand’s insistence on adhering to ceasefire protocols while ensuring humanitarian treatment of POWs suggests an attempt to balance security concerns with international obligations.
Broader ASEAN Dynamics
Within the ASEAN framework, this dispute tests the organization’s principle of non-interference against the need for collective action to prevent escalation. Both Cambodia and Thailand are integral to the bloc’s vision of a cohesive Southeast Asian community, yet unresolved border issues continue to challenge regional unity. The involvement of other ASEAN members in ceasefire implementation, as advocated by Cambodia, could serve as a litmus test for the bloc’s ability to manage internal conflicts without external intervention.
Moreover, the allegations of post-ceasefire aggression, if substantiated, could complicate diplomatic efforts. While independent verification of claims regarding bombardment and chemical weapons use is lacking, such accusations risk inflaming public sentiment and derailing negotiations. For now, the focus remains on the fate of the 18 detained soldiers, whose release could serve as a confidence-building measure between the two nations.
Looking Ahead
As the standoff persists, the path to resolution remains uncertain. Cambodia’s unwavering stance on the release of its soldiers, coupled with public demonstrations, suggests that domestic pressure will continue to shape its approach. Thailand, meanwhile, faces the challenge of justifying its detention policy while maintaining compliance with international humanitarian standards.
The role of international actors, including ASEAN and potentially the ICRC, will be critical in facilitating dialogue and ensuring the soldiers’ well-being. For the families awaiting their loved ones’ return, and for the communities along the contested border, the hope is for a swift and peaceful resolution. Yet, as history has shown, enduring solutions to Cambodia-Thailand border disputes require more than temporary ceasefires—they demand sustained commitment to mutual trust and respect for sovereignty.
