PHNOM PENH: After meeting with 18 Cambodian soldiers detained by Thai authorities on Tuesday (Aug 5), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) stated that it cannot and will not disclose its findings or observations from the visit.
The ICRC in Thailand explained its position in an Aug 5 social media post.
“This principle is the foundation of our work, crucial for ensuring the safety of the people we assist, our staff and the continued access we need to fulfil our mission,” it said.
The ICRC, as an independent and impartial organisation, emphasised that its work in detention facilities is guided by principles of confidentiality and bilateral discussions with the detaining authorities. This approach fosters trust, integrity and open dialogue with both the detainees and the responsible authorities.
The ICRC in Thailand was granted access by the Thai army to meet the 18 Cambodian soldiers held in custody, whom the Thai military has classified as “prisoners of war.” Cambodia has requested the ICRC’s intervention to secure their return to their homeland.
According to the Geneva Conventions, prisoners of war are military personnel or individuals associated with the military who are captured by an enemy during ongoing hostilities.
However, in the case of these 18 Cambodian soldiers, they were detained after a ceasefire, leading some analysts to conclude that they were kidnapped, and are not prisoners of war, as claimed by Thailand.
Initially, the Thai military accused the soldiers of illegally entering Thai territory and said they would be returned after legal procedures were completed. They repatriated the body of one deceased soldier and two injured men.
However, Cambodian sources claim that Thai forces approached the soldiers on Cambodian territory on July 29 — under the pretence of taking photographs — only to arrest them, thus violating the July 28 ceasefire that was mediated by US President Donald Trump.
Analysts argue that these Cambodian soldiers are not legal prisoners of war, but rather victims of an unlawful kidnapping by Thai forces.
“Let me correct the narrative: the remaining 18 Cambodian soldiers who are being held in Thai custody illegally are not PoWs; they are hostages. Free them now,” said Som Ratana, a professor of media studies.
Kin Phea, director of the International Relations Institute at Royal Academy of Cambodia, noted that although the 18 individuals are soldiers, Cambodia was adhering to the ceasefire, which may have led to a lapse in vigilance.
This allowed Thai forces to detain them during what was supposed to be a friendly handshake and photo opportunity.
He added that such actions must be strongly condemned. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
