Thailand delays release of Cambodian soldiers despite ongoing ceasefire

ISTANBUL

Thailand said Tuesday that the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers detained since July is under consideration, despite the continuation of a ceasefire that was expected to trigger their return after an initial 72-hour period.

Thai authorities said alleged drone incursions violated Article Six of the agreement signed Saturday, which requires both sides to avoid “any provocative actions,” including military operations, according to Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura.

He said Thai security agencies detected Cambodian drones “encroaching into Thailand’s sovereign airspace,” which Bangkok views as grounds to delay the release.

Under the agreement, all 18 soldiers held since border clashes in July — which killed at least 48 people — were to be returned to Cambodia if the ceasefire remained fully intact for 72 hours.

“Therefore, Thailand is considering the timing of the release of the 18 soldiers,” Nikorndej said at a news conference in Bangkok.

Cambodian government spokesman Pen Bona said there had been “no reaction yet” from Phnom Penh beyond monitoring the delay, according to Kiripost news.

Pailin Governor Ban Sreymom said provincial authorities had not been informed of any change regarding the soldiers’ return, as reported by the Khmer Times.

Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said a Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting proposed by Cambodia may wait until a new Thai government takes office after the Feb. 8 election, Thai PBS reported.

The ceasefire followed 20 days of border clashes that killed at least 99 people, including civilians. Thailand accused Cambodia on Monday of violating the pact by sending more than 250 unmanned aircraft into Thai territory.

Cambodia rejected the allegation. Defense Ministry spokeswoman Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata said Phnom Penh “categorically rejected” the claim and added: “We confirm that no such drone launches have occurred.”

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Beijing would “continue to play a constructive role in the Asian way” to rebuild trust between the two countries after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi hosted his Thai and Cambodian counterparts for talks on Monday.