Phnom penh: Cambodia has initiated formal discussions with Thailand to address the repatriation of prisoners of war (POWs) and the bodies of soldiers currently held by the Thai army. This development comes as a ceasefire agreement between the two nations took effect on July 29.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Cambodia's defense ministry spokesperson, Mali Socheata, revealed that her government has so far received the remains of only one soldier, while 20 others remain in Thai custody. She indicated that negotiations are ongoing between senior officials from both countries. Cambodia has also reached out to the chief of the Malaysian army for assistance in expediting the process.
In response, the Thai government assured that the Cambodian POWs are being treated in compliance with international law. They confirmed that the soldiers would be returned once stability is restored along the borders. The military conflict between the two countries, which erupted on July 24, resulted in over 43 casualties on both sides. The clashes are rooted in a long-standing dispute over temples located near the border.