Phnom penh: The Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) places the highest priority on the lives and safety of both military personnel and civilians, affirmed H.E. Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, Under Secretary of State and Spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defence at a press briefing this morning.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence H.E. Gen. Tea Seiha has been working closely with the Acting Minister of National Defence of Thailand to negotiate the safe and prompt return of 21 Cambodian soldiers captured by the Thai side on the morning of July 29, 2025. H.E. Gen. Vong Pisen, RCAF Commander-in-Chief, has also requested assistance from the Chief of Defence Forces of Malaysia to mediate the situation, with coordinated efforts being made by relevant units in the frontline regions.
H.E. Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata called on her compatriots to trust the RGC and the armed forces, who are defending the nation's territorial integrity. She expressed hope for the safe return of all captured soldiers and urged the Thai authorities to ensure their proper treatment in accordance with international humanitarian law.
In her statement, she emphasized the commitment of the RGC: 'We never abandon any of our military personnel, no matter what the circumstances are,' and appealed to the Thai side to expedite the return of the 20 soldiers still in custody, as well as any other forces detained.
As of this morning, the spokesperson confirmed that Cambodia has received the body of one fallen soldier, while 20 soldiers remain held by the Thai side.