Surin: Two Cambodian soldiers were sent back today, while 18 others are still awaiting investigation. The Thai government is preparing to send two injured Cambodian soldiers back to Cambodia today, while the remaining 18 are still undergoing military and immigration law inspections. The government reiterated that Thailand is providing care in accordance with international and humanitarian principles and urged Cambodia to stop distorting the truth.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Jirayu Huangsap, spokesman for the Prime Minister's Office and member of the Thai-Cambodian Border Situation Administration (TCASAB), revealed that the government, through the Immigration Police, Border Patrol Police, and the Second Army Region, is preparing to repatriate two injured Cambodian soldiers to Cambodian soil today at 10:30 a.m. at the Chong Chom permanent border crossing in Kab Choeng District, Surin Province. The remaining 18 Cambodian soldiers are still undergoing verification and will be rescheduled for repatriation.
The Cambodian soldiers in question were 20 Cambodian soldiers who violated Thai sovereignty in the Chong Sam Tae area, Kantharalak District, Sisaket Province. Thailand has detained them and is providing care in accordance with international and humanitarian principles. Two injured Cambodian soldiers will be sent for treatment and repatriated in accordance with human rights principles.
"The government affirms its legitimate rights to respond and preserve Thailand's sovereignty. These Cambodian soldiers intruded into Thai territory. The army has detained them and provided them with necessary care in accordance with international and humanitarian principles. This is not a case of kidnapping Cambodian soldiers, as Cambodia has distorted news reports. We urge the Cambodian government to stop lying daily," Mr. Jirayu said.