22 Days and Counting: Thailand’s Detention of Cambodian Soldiers Strains Ceasefire

Introduction

On July 28, 2025, Thailand and Cambodia agreed to a ceasefire to end five days of intense border clashes that killed at least 43 people and displaced over 300,000. The truce, mediated by Malaysia with U.S. and ASEAN involvement, aimed to de-escalate a century-old border dispute centered around areas like the Preah Vihear and Ta Moan Thom temples. However, on July 29, 2025, Thailand’s capture of 20 Cambodian soldiers, just hours after the ceasefire took effect, has cast a shadow over the fragile peace. As of August 20, 2025—22 days later—18 of these soldiers remain in Thai custody, prompting accusations of unlawful detention and threatening the ceasefire’s stability. This article examines the incident, its impact on bilateral relations, and the broader implications for regional peace.

Background of the Conflict

The Thailand-Cambodia border dispute originates from colonial-era mappings in the early 20th century, when French authorities defined the 800-kilometer frontier, leaving areas like the Preah Vihear and Ta Moan Thom temples contested. The International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 and 2013 that Preah Vihear belongs to Cambodia, but Thailand disputes surrounding territories, leading to periodic clashes. Tensions escalated in May 2025 after a Cambodian soldier was killed, followed by a landmine explosion injuring five Thai soldiers in July. By late July, the conflict involved heavy artillery, Cambodian rocket attacks, and Thai airstrikes, displacing communities and prompting international intervention.

The ceasefire, effective from midnight on July 28, 2025, was brokered in Malaysia with U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats as leverage, given both nations’ reliance on U.S. exports. The agreement included halting troop movements, establishing coordination teams, and deploying ASEAN monitors. However, the capture of Cambodian soldiers has become a focal point of contention, undermining trust.

The Capture of Cambodian Soldiers

On July 29, 2025, at approximately 7:50 AM, Thai forces detained 20 Cambodian soldiers in Sisaket province, near the disputed Sam Tae area. Thailand’s military, led by spokesperson Major General Winthai Suvaree, claimed the soldiers crossed into Thai territory with “hostile intent,” violating the ceasefire. Cambodia’s Defense Ministry, through spokesperson Maly Socheata, countered that the soldiers approached Thai positions peacefully to offer post-conflict greetings, alleging the capture was unlawful and a breach of international humanitarian law. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet demanded their immediate release, citing the 1949 Geneva Conventions.

Thailand reported disarming the soldiers and providing humanitarian aid, including food, water, and medical care, in line with the Geneva Conventions. On August 1, 2025, two wounded soldiers—a sergeant with a broken arm and a second lieutenant with psychological trauma—were repatriated via the Chong Chom border crossing in Surin province. The remaining 18 soldiers, including one sub-lieutenant, two sergeant majors, 12 sergeants, two corporals, and one private, remain in Thai custody. Thailand insists they will be released only after “legal procedures” and a “permanent ceasefire,” citing the need to investigate their actions.

Cambodia has reported conflicting accounts, with some sources claiming one soldier escaped and two were killed in Thai custody, though Thailand denies these allegations, stating two deceased soldiers’ bodies were returned on July 29. These discrepancies have fueled distrust, with Cambodia’s government and social media posts on X labeling the detentions a “betrayal” of the ceasefire.

Accusations of Unlawful Detention

Cambodia argues that the detention violates the ceasefire agreement and international law, specifically the Third Geneva Convention, which mandates humane treatment and prompt repatriation of prisoners of war (POWs). The Cambodian Human Rights Committee, in a letter to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, alleged torture and denial of medical care, though no evidence was provided. Thailand refutes these claims, stating that the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) visited the 18 detained soldiers on August 5, 2025, and confirmed their humane treatment. Thai Acting Defense Minister Nattapon Nakpanich emphasized compliance with international standards, noting the soldiers were moved to a safe facility under the 2nd Army Region Command.

Posts on X, such as those by users @chantra and @SovanRatana_, reflect Cambodian sentiment, accusing Thailand of holding the soldiers “unlawfully” for 22 days as of August 20, 2025, and calling for their release to uphold the ceasefire. These posts, while not conclusive evidence, highlight public frustration in Cambodia, with hashtags like #ThailandViolatestheceasefire gaining traction.

Impact on the Ceasefire

The detention has strained the ceasefire, which has held against large-scale violence but remains fragile. Both sides have accused each other of violations, with Thailand reporting Cambodian small arms fire and Cambodia alleging Thai barbed wire installations in disputed areas. A landmine explosion on August 12, 2025, injuring a Thai soldier near Ta Moan Thom, further escalated tensions, with Thailand accusing Cambodia of breaching the Ottawa Convention. Cambodia denied deploying new mines, pointing to historical minefields from past conflicts.

The General Border Committee meeting in Malaysia from August 4 to 7, 2025, extended the ceasefire and deployed ASEAN monitors, but the issue of the detained soldiers remains unresolved. Cambodia’s Defense Minister Tea Seiha reiterated calls for their release, while Thailand’s insistence on “legal procedures” has stalled progress. The UN and human rights groups have urged both nations to prioritize humanitarian concerns, including the soldiers’ repatriation, to prevent further escalation.

Broader Implications

The ongoing detention has significant socio-economic and geopolitical consequences. The conflict has disrupted trade and tourism, with 780,000 Cambodian migrant workers returning from Thailand since May 2025, impacting both economies. Nationalist rhetoric on social media, particularly in Cambodia, has intensified, with accusations of Thai aggression fueling anti-Thai sentiment. In Thailand, domestic pressure on the government to maintain a hardline stance persists, complicating negotiations.

Geopolitically, the ceasefire’s success hinges on international mediation. Malaysia’s role, backed by ASEAN, the U.S., and China, has been critical, but the detention issue risks derailing progress. The U.S.’s economic leverage, particularly Trump’s tariff threats, remains a key factor, with Thailand’s finance minister estimating 10 billion baht ($300 million) in damages from the conflict. A failure to resolve the detention could embolden hardliners on both sides, risking renewed violence.

Path to Resolution

Resolving the detention crisis is critical to sustaining the ceasefire. Releasing the 18 Cambodian soldiers could rebuild trust, but Thailand’s insistence on investigations suggests delays. A UN or ASEAN-led border survey to clarify disputed territories, coupled with independent monitoring, could prevent future incidents. Both nations must balance domestic pressures with international commitments to dialogue, with ASEAN’s continued mediation offering a framework for progress. The involvement of neutral observers, as agreed in Malaysia, is essential to verify compliance and address humanitarian concerns.

Conclusion

As of August 20, 2025, 22 days after Thailand’s capture of 20 Cambodian soldiers, the detention of 18 personnel continues to undermine the fragile ceasefire. Cambodia’s accusations of unlawful detention and Thailand’s insistence on legal procedures reflect deep mistrust rooted in a century-old border dispute. While the ceasefire has prevented large-scale violence, incidents like the August 12 landmine explosion highlight its vulnerability. International mediation, particularly through ASEAN and the U.S., remains crucial to securing the soldiers’ release and fostering lasting peace. Without swift resolution, the detention risks reigniting conflict, threatening regional stability in Southeast Asia.