Two Cambodian soldiers returned as border tensions with Thailand ease
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Two detained Cambodian soldiers have been repatriated by Thailand amid a fragile ceasefire and ahead of Malaysia-hosted defense talks.
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In this photo released by Agence Kampuchea Press (AKP), a Cambodian soldier, second from left, enters an ambulance at O Smach, Cambodian-Thai border in Oddar Meanchey province, Cambodia, Friday, August 1, 2025. (AKP via AP)
Two of the 20 Cambodian soldiers detained during the recent border clashes have been returned by Thailand, signaling a tentative step toward de-escalation as regional defense officials prepare to meet in Malaysia next week.
The meeting, originally set to take place in Phnom Penh, was relocated at Thailand's request for a more neutral setting, following last week's eruption of violence along the contested Thai-Cambodian frontier.
The hostilities, marked by artillery shelling and air force deployments, were the most severe in more than 10 years. Over five days of fighting left at least 43 dead and forced more than 300,000 civilians to flee the area. A ceasefire was reached on Monday after Malaysian diplomatic efforts and a flurry of phone calls from US President Donald Trump, who warned both governments that tariff talks would be frozen unless calm was restored.
Previously, the United States imposed a 36% tariff on imports from both Southeast Asian nations. In a policy shift announced Friday, the White House said those rates would be reduced to 19%, citing recent diplomatic progress.
Soldier Standoff
In Bangkok, Thai government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub stated that two Cambodian soldiers had been sent home, while the rest remained in custody for allegedly breaching Thai immigration regulations.
Cambodia has pushed for the return of the remaining detainees.
"Cambodia is actively engaging in negotiations to secure their release, and reiterates its firm call for their immediate and unconditional release in accordance with the international humanitarian law," said a spokesperson for the Cambodian defence ministry.
Border Talks
The upcoming meeting, now slated for August 4–7 in Malaysia, will bring together defense ministers and senior military officials from both sides. The General Border Committee, responsible for coordination on troop deployments and ceasefire arrangements, will lead the discussions.
Thai Acting Defense Minister Nattaphon Narkphanit confirmed that additional observers will be present.
"Defense attachés from other ASEAN countries will be invited, as well as the defense attachés from the US and China," a Malaysian government representative told reporters.
Read more: Thailand, Cambodia agree to immediate ceasefire after deadly clashes
Disputes between Thailand and Cambodia over border demarcation have simmered for decades, often centering on ancient temple sites along their 817 km borders. Tensions escalated in May after a Cambodian soldier was killed in a skirmish, triggering a military buildup that culminated in last month's deadly confrontations.
