PHNOM PENH: Eighteen Cambodian soldiers, detained by Thai armed forces the day after the July 28 ceasefire, received a welcome visit from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Wednesday (Oct 8).
The ICRC delivered letters and other messages from the captured men's friends and families, while also collecting messages from the prisoners.
The men are being held by the Thai military's Second Army Region, which insists that the men are legal prisoners of war (POWs).
The second region command announced the visit, noting that ICRC representatives had conducted an official visit and interviewed the 18 Cambodian "POWs" at their facility.
According to the Thai army, the ICRC conducted private interviews with each of the soldiers and facilitated communication between them and their families, delivering messages and updates in both directions to maintain morale and family connections.
This marks the third Red Cross visit since the men were captured in Preah Vihear province, eight hours after a ceasefire took effect. Thailand initially accused the Cambodian troops of entering Thai territory, later declaring them POWs.
The 2nd Army Area claimed that they are strictly adhering to international humanitarian principles, ensuring that all detainees are treated appropriately, transparently and in a manner open to international verification.
They returned two soldiers on August 1, one injured and one suffering from poor mental health.
As of October 10, it has been 73 days since they were captured. Cambodian authorities are continuing to call for their immediate release and have lodged formal complaints with relevant UN agencies. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN