Thailand will repatriate twenty Cambodian soldiers on Friday morning through the Chong Chom permanent border checkpoint in Surin province, according to the Royal Thai Army.
Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed that the soldiers crossed into Thai territory after a ceasefire was declared on Tuesday.
The soldiers were found inside Thai territory on Tuesday following clashes in the Sam Taet area of Si Sa Ket province. One soldier reportedly sustained a broken arm and another showed signs of psychological trauma due to combat exposure. Among them, one has died.
The move comes in response to allegations from Cambodian officials that Thailand had abducted the soldiers, claims that the Thai military has firmly rejected.
“We treated them as soldiers, not criminals. They laid down their arms peacefully and we followed international law from the beginning. Mischaracterising the situation as an abduction or prisoner-of-war case is false and could harm our international standing,” said Army spokesman Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree on Thursday.
The soldiers are currently facing charges of illegal entry under Thai law. Additional charges, including possession of weapons and violation of sovereignty, will depend on the outcome of ongoing investigations.
Deputy Defence Minister Gen Nattaphon Narkphanit, who leads the Thai-Cambodian border conflict management centre, said Thailand had initially planned to return the soldiers without delay. However, following the accusations from Phnom Penh, Thai authorities opted to formally document the events before proceeding with repatriation.
“The most effective way to counter disinformation is to stick to facts. It may take time, but facts will stand,” he said.