2 Cambodian POWs with mental issues and injuries returned home

Other Cambodian soldiers remain in Thai military custody for further questioning

The Royal Thai Army (RTA) transferred two Cambodian soldiers, detained as prisoners of war (POWs) following a clash in the Sam Tae area of Si Sa Ket province, back to Cambodia today, August 1. Sixteen others remain in custody for further questioning.

The Cambodian soldiers reportedly attacked Thai officers in Sam Tae on July 29. Thai troops retaliated, dismantling a Cambodian military base identified as the source of the assault, and apprehended 18 Cambodian personnel. Two other soldiers were found dead at the scene.

The RTA’s 2nd Army Area returned one of the deceased to the Cambodian military and has been providing care to the detained Cambodian nationals in line with humanitarian principles and the Geneva Conventions. The RTA also released photographs and video footage showing the Cambodian soldiers dressed in clean clothes and dining, to demonstrate its humane treatment.

According to Amarin TV, Cambodian media outlet Fresh News reported that Cambodia’s military chief informed 13 foreign ambassadors during a visit to the former conflict site that Thailand had initially refused to repatriate the soldiers, despite official pleas.

Cambodian Defence Ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata later held a press conference calling on Thailand to promptly return the detained Cambodian POWs.

Cambodian soldiers returned
Photo via Facebook/ The Echo

Thai Government spokesperson, Jirayu Huangsub, today confirmed that two Cambodian soldiers were returned to their home country at 10.30am. One of them, Mom Rithy, had sustained injuries to his hip and arm.

The other, Ang Oeun, was reportedly suffering from mental health issues allegedly resulting from the clash. Thai military doctors recommended his early return to prevent further deterioration of his condition.

Thai military transfers Cambodian POWs back home
Photo via Facebook/ The Echo

KhaoSod reported that the two soldiers pledged not to engage in any future combat with Thai forces.

The remaining Cambodian soldiers remain detained by the 2nd Army Area. Their return has been postponed pending the outcome of ongoing interrogations. The Thai military will arrange for their repatriation at a later date.

Thailand News

Follow The Thaiger on Google News:

0 0 votes
Article Rating
Watch this conversation
Notify of
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Petch Petpailin

Petpailin, or Petch, is a Thai translator and writer for The Thaiger who focuses on translating breakingThai news stories into English. With a background in field journalism, Petch brings several years of experience to the English News desk at The Thaiger. Before joining The Thaiger, Petch worked as a content writer for several known blogging sites in Bangkok, including Happio and The Smart Local. Her articles have been syndicated by many big publishers in Thailand and internationally, including the Daily Mail, The Sun and the Bangkok Post. She is a news writer who stops reading news on the weekends to spend more time cafe hopping and petting dwarf shrimp! But during office hours, you can find Petch on LinkedIn and you can reach her by email at petch@thethaiger.com.
0
Comments are now open, have your sayx
()
x