SI SA KET — The Royal Thai Army (RTA) has taken 18 Cambodian soldiers into custody following a firefight near the Sam Tae border area in Kantharalak district, an army spokesperson confirmed Tuesday. The detainees surrendered after Thai forces repelled what they described as a cross-border attack.

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Clash Erupts in Contested Zone

The skirmish began when Cambodian troops allegedly launched heavy weapons and mortar fire into Thai territory early Tuesday. In response, Thailand deployed special cavalry units to push back the incursion and secure its positions. During the operation, a group of Cambodian soldiers surrendered without resistance.

Among the detainees were one sub-lieutenant, two sergeant majors, 12 sergeants, two corporals, and one private. One wounded soldier, Sgt. Mom Ridthi, sustained gunshot injuries to his hip and arm and was transported for emergency surgery. Two other Cambodian soldiers were found dead at the scene.

After Cambodian troops fired into Thai territory, 18 soldiers surrendered peacefully. Thai forces detained them following protocol and humanitarian standards, providing medical care to the injured. #CAMBODIA #TruthFROMTHAILAND #Thailand #peace pic.twitter.com/C2J4smUBTz

— NBT WORLD (@NBTWORLDNews) July 29, 2025

Humanitarian Treatment of Detainees

Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree, the RTA spokesperson, stated that the captured troops are being held at a Second Army Region facility, where they receive food, water, medical care, and proper shelter in compliance with international military and humanitarian standards.

Thailand has also pledged to repatriate the deceased soldiers’ remains in accordance with protocols for handling war dead with dignity.

Diplomatic Tensions Persist

The clash marks the latest escalation in a series of border violations that have undermined the July 28 ceasefire agreement. With both sides trading accusations of aggression, the incident could further complicate upcoming General Border Committee talks scheduled for August 4 in Phnom Penh.

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As investigations continue, Thai military officials reaffirmed their commitment to defensive operations while urging Cambodia to adhere to the truce.

-Thailand News (TN)