The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has reiterated that all 18 Cambodian soldiers detained by Thai forces after a ceasefire remain in good health. This follows a second exchange of correspondence between the ICRC and the families of the soldiers.

Speaking during a meeting with Pich Chanmony, wife of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, on October 13, Jurg Montani, regional delegate of the ICRC, confirmed that his team’s observations indicate the 18 soldiers are in satisfactory condition. He added that the ICRC is committed to continuing efforts to secure their safe return to Cambodia in accordance with the Geneva Conventions.

Pich Chanmony described the news as extremely valuable for the families, the Cambodian government, and citizens who have been awaiting accurate information on the soldiers’ welfare. She noted that the soldiers have now been in detention for 77 days.

The Ministry of National Defense of Cambodia emphasized that the government is working tirelessly, employing all available mechanisms, to ensure the Thai authorities release the 18 soldiers promptly and safely.

Earlier, on September 19, Prime Minister Hun Manet met with the families of the detained soldiers, reaffirming that the Cambodian government has not forgotten them.

A Thai permanent representative to the United Nations, Pratana Disyatat, previously stated that the 18 Cambodian soldiers could not be released because the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict has not been officially resolved. She explained that keeping them in custody is intended to prevent their return to active combat zones.

Cambodian officials have accused Thai forces of using deceitful tactics to capture approximately 20 Cambodian soldiers on July 29, 2025, around 7:50 a.m., just hours after a ceasefire went into effect at midnight. Of the soldiers subsequently sent back by Thailand, two were returned in seriously injured condition and unable to walk, while another was physically able but suffering from mental trauma.