Thailand delays release of 18 Cambodian soldiers, citing alleged drone breaches of the fragile border ceasefire agreement between the two nations.
BANGKOK: A renewed ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia has passed its critical 72-hour mark, but Bangkok has delayed the release of 18 captured Cambodian soldiers.
Thai authorities cited alleged breaches of the deal, specifically the detection of drones from Cambodia on Sunday night.
“The consideration of date and time of the release depends on the security side,” said Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura.
He added that the handover of the prisoners could “happen soon”.
Cambodian authorities have strongly rejected the accusation of using drones.
The government issued an order prohibiting drone use across the country late on Monday.
“There has been no reaction yet, it is being monitored,” said Cambodian government spokesperson Pen Bona regarding the release delay.
The Thai Foreign Ministry also sent a formal protest to Cambodia after a Thai soldier lost a limb in a landmine blast on Monday.
Landmine incidents were a catalyst for the renewed clashes that began this month.
The fighting over the past 20 days killed at least 101 people and displaced more than half a million.
It included fighter-jet sorties and exchanges of rocket fire and artillery barrages.
Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said the ceasefire remained fragile and required both sides to ensure it was sustained.
“The ceasefire has only just been agreed so there is fragility,” Sihasak told reporters.
“We should avoid instigation or things that could diminish the ceasefire,” he added.
China’s Foreign Minister recently hosted two days of talks with his Thai and Cambodian counterparts.
They reached an agreement that the two countries would work to rebuild mutual trust and gradually consolidate the ceasefire.
