Thailand’s Stance on Returning Captured Cambodian Soldiers
Thailand has made it clear that it will not release 18 Cambodian soldiers captured during border clashes until Phnom Penh meets certain conditions. This was confirmed by Defence Minister Gen Nattaphon Narkphanit, who emphasized that the release of the prisoners is conditional upon Cambodia fulfilling specific requirements.
Gen Nattaphon stated that no exact date has been set for the release, but November 12 is being considered as a potential target. This would only happen if Cambodia withdraws its heavy weapons from the border area and allows Thailand to conduct landmine clearance in five designated zones. However, the minister did not disclose the specific locations of these areas, although he confirmed that the region around Prasat Ta Kwai is not among them.
The minister also mentioned that Cambodia has reached out to Thailand regarding efforts to meet the two conditions by next week, which is earlier than the original deadline of November 21. “The quicker Cambodia fulfils the conditions, the quicker their soldiers will be released,” Gen Nattaphon said during a statement at Government House.
There were reports on Thursday suggesting that the prisoners of war would be freed on November 12 at the Ban Phak Kad checkpoint in Pong Nam Ron district, Chanthaburi. However, these reports have not been officially confirmed by either country.
The 18 soldiers were detained in the early hours of July 29 in Kantharalak district, Si Sa Ket province, following a clash between Thai and Cambodian troops over disputed border zones. This occurred despite an agreed ceasefire that was signed on July 28.
The peace accord, signed by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his Cambodian counterpart Hun Manet in Kuala Lumpur on October 26, outlines that prisoners of war will be released once both nations demonstrate ‘effective implementation’ of measures to de-escalate border tensions. The joint declaration also states, “Further, as a demonstration of Thailand’s desire to promote mutual confidence and trust, Thailand undertakes to promptly release the prisoners of war.”
Key Points from the Agreement
- Conditions for Release: Cambodia must withdraw heavy weapons from the border and allow landmine clearance in five designated areas.
- Deadline Consideration: November 12 is a possible date for release if conditions are met.
- No Specific Locations Revealed: The five areas for landmine clearance have not been disclosed, though the area around Prasat Ta Kwai is excluded.
- Cambodia’s Initiative: Cambodia has approached Thailand to meet the conditions earlier than the November 21 deadline.
- Peace Accord Details: The agreement includes a commitment from Thailand to release prisoners of war upon effective implementation of de-escalation measures.