Phnom Penh, August 4, 2025 — Prime Minister Hun Manet took to his social media today to update the public and the international community on the ongoing efforts to secure the safe and early release of 18 Cambodian military personnel currently in Thai custody.

In his statement, Prime Minister Hun Manet reiterated that, despite the evolving situation, the Royal Government of Cambodia continues to prioritize the safety of the soldiers, who have been detained since July 29, 2025. The government is actively monitoring the situation and has taken concerted actions through various diplomatic and humanitarian channels to facilitate their release.

The Prime Minister announced that the Ministry of National Defense, along with the Commander-in-Chief and the Commanders of Cambodia’s Military Regions, are engaging in close cooperation with Thai authorities. Additionally, Cambodia has requested Malaysia, the ASEAN Chair, to facilitate dialogue and work with Thailand on this matter.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister highlighted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, through the Permanent Mission of Cambodia to the United Nations and international organizations in Geneva, is collaborating with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to expedite their release.

Cambodia has also assigned the Cambodian Human Rights Committee to coordinate with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR), and the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand, to advocate for the prompt return and repatriation of the soldiers.

The Royal Government reiterated its commitment to diplomatic efforts and multilateral cooperation to resolve the situation peacefully and swiftly.