Thai soldiers captured 20 Cambodian soldiers five hours after a ceasefire came into effect. One managed to escape, while the rest were taken to Thailand, Cambodia’s defence ministry said on Thursday.
“Regardless of what is happening, we want the soldiers captured after the ceasefire to be released,” Phat Vipolsoak, director-general of the Cambodian Defence Ministry’s international relations department, told reporters.
Major General Chant Sopheak, commander of the Preah Vihear operational area of the Cambodian army, confirmed the capture of the soldiers. He described it as a violation of the ceasefire by Thailand. According to him, there are fears that some soldiers may have been killed.
“They shook hands, smiled and greeted each other in a friendly manner, and then took a photo together to show that both sides respected the agreement. However, additional Thai forces, outnumbering ours, emerged from the forest. Twenty people were taken prisoner,” Mr. Sopheak said.
Fighting between Thai and Cambodian armed forces began on July 24. At least 35 people have been killed since the start of the military action. The conflict arose over disputed territories around the temples of Tamoanthom, Tamoantaech and Takrabay. On 28 July, the countries agreed to a ceasefire.
