Lives and safety of military personnel and civilians government’s top priorities, says Defence Spokesperson

Lives and safety of military personnel and civilians government’s top priorities, says Defence Spokesperson

The Government of Cambodia places the highest priority on the lives and safety of both military personnel and civilians, said Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, Under Secretary of State and Spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defence at a press briefing this morning.

She called on her compatriots to place their trust in the government and the armed forces, who are standing firm and bravely defending the nation’s territorial integrity.

Talking about the 21 Cambodian soldiers captured by the Thai side on the morning of July 29, Socheata assured the public that the Ministry of National Defense and the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) are doing their best to negotiate their safe and prompt return.

According to the spokesperson, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Gen. Tea Seiha has been working closely with the Acting Minister of National Defence of Thailand, while Gen. Vong Pisen, RCAF Commander-in-Chief, has requested the Chief of Defence Forces of Malaysia to assist with mediation. Coordinated efforts are also being made by units in the border regions.

“We sincerely hope that all of them will return as soon as possible and safely,” she said, urging the Thai authorities to ensure the proper treatment of the captured Cambodian soldiers and to promptly send them back in line with international humanitarian law.

“We never abandon any of our military personnel, no matter what the circumstances are,” she stressed. “In this regard, we call on the Thai side to return all 20 military personnel who remain in custody as soon as possible, as well as other forces who may also be under their detention.”

As of this morning, Cambodia has received the body of one fallen soldier, while the remaining 20 soldiers are still being held by the Thai side, the spokesperson confirmed. AKP