Cambodia calls on Trump to intervene in Thai custody of 18 soldiers

Cambodian protesters yesterday rallied in Siem Reap province, calling on US President Donald Trump to help secure the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers held captive by the Thai army as prisoners of war.

Fresh News online published photos showing Cambodians, including monks, students, teachers, and civilians, marching with placards requesting Trump’s intervention for the release of the soldiers.

“President Donald J Trump, please help the 18 Cambodian soldiers,” some of the placards read.

The Thai forces had taken 18 fully-armed Cambodians into custody while Cambodian troops attempted to seize the Sam Tae area in Kantharalak district, Si Sa Ket province late last month.

The soldiers surrendered and laid down their weapons without resistance, and were treated in accordance with international standards, according to the Thai army.

Cambodia however accused Thai troops of kidnapping the group and mistreating them.

Phnom Penh repeatedly demanded their return, but the Thai side reiterated that they were prisoners of war and would be sent back once the situation returned to normal.

The Thai army also insisted that the operation was conducted under the rules of engagement and humanitarian principles, ensuring basic care such as clothing, food, water, and medical attention.

The injured were sent for medical treatment at a hospital, while the bodies of two deceased soldiers were returned on July 29.

Two others were repatriated due to physical and mental illness.

To confirm the treatment of the group in accordance with the Vienna Convention, Thailand allowed representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Interim Observer Team, comprising defence attachés of ASEAN countries, to visit them at their shelter at the Second Army Region Command.

The march in Siem Reap also featured placards thanking Trump for helping to establish a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand in late July.

Monks who joined the rally were seen holding the Cambodian and US national flags.

When both countries had engaged in five days of bloody clashes along the border last month, during which the Cambodian army bombed civilians, their communities hospitals, and schools in northeastern Thailand.

Trump announced that his country would not negotiate tariffs with either side if the fighting continued. This led to a ceasefire agreement in Kuala Lumpur, hosted by Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in his capacity as ASEAN chairman.

Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet later issued a statement nominating Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in pushing for the ceasefire.

Many placards in the march read, “We support the nomination of US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.”