BANGKOK, Aug 4 – Deputy Defence Minister General Nattapon Narkphanit has made an impassioned appeal to Cambodia to honor its fallen soldiers by promptly retrieving their remains from the Thai-Cambodian border area, where recent clashes have claimed numerous lives.

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Speaking at Government House on Monday morning, Gen Nattapon revealed he had personally raised the matter during a meeting with Cambodia’s defence minister in Malaysia the previous day. He expressed deep concern over the uncollected bodies of Cambodian soldiers left at the border, emphasizing Thailand’s adherence to international protocols in handling the deceased.

“We have treated these fallen soldiers with dignity, in full compliance with the Geneva Conventions,” Gen Nattapon stated. “It pains me that the Cambodian government continues to deny these are their soldiers. As military professionals, we must honor all who fall in battle, regardless of which side they fought for.”

The deputy minister described the grim reality facing Thai patrols, who regularly encounter the unclaimed remains. He warned that the prolonged exposure of bodies not only dishonors the dead but also creates potential health hazards for nearby Cambodian villages.

Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri, spokesman for Thailand’s Ad Hoc Border Situation Center, condemned Cambodia’s inaction as a violation of international humanitarian standards and Buddhist funeral traditions.

BREAKING: Some Cambodians are setting up a website to collect information about alleged missing soldiers Not acknowledged by the Cambodian government during the clashes between Thailand and Cambodia.
They claim 43 Cambodians are currently unaccounted for.
Read the translated… pic.twitter.com/3yusB3HUOH

— Khaosod English (@KhaosodEnglish) August 3, 2025

“This neglect reflects poorly on Cambodia’s respect for its own armed forces,” RAdm Surasant said. “The morale impact on Cambodian troops must be devastating, not to mention the anguish of families searching for missing loved ones.”

The admiral noted that while Thai authorities have repatriated all identifiable Cambodian remains with military honors, Phnom Penh has shown no reciprocal effort to locate or reclaim its fallen soldiers.

The emotional appeal comes amid ongoing tensions along the border, where recent clashes have displaced thousands of civilians on both sides. Thailand continues to maintain its commitment to humanitarian principles while calling on Cambodia to fulfill its obligations to honor its war dead.

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As of press time, Cambodian authorities had not responded to Thailand’s latest request for cooperation in retrieving the remains. The situation remains a sensitive issue, with potential implications for ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate border tensions.

-Thailand News (TN)