Thailand’s army sent back two Cambodian soldiers from a group of 20 to maintain a ceasefire along their disputed border. Tensions on the Thai-Cambodian border escalated last week, resulting in clashes that claimed at least 43 lives and left over 300,000 people displaced. A truce was achieved on Monday, following Malaysia’s push and U.S. President Trump’s threat to hold off tariff negotiations until fighting stopped. Thailand and Cambodia previously faced tariffs of 36% for sending goods to the U.S., their largest export markets. Following further negotiations, they will now pay a 19% tariff. The Cambodian defence ministry has asked Thailand to return all detained soldiers and reiterates its call for their immediate and unconditional release in accordance with international humanitarian law. Defence ministers and military leaders from both sides will hold talks in Malaysia, with the General Border Committee coordinating on border security, ceasefires, and troop deployments. Thailand and Cambodia have for decades claimed jurisdiction over undemarcated points along their 817-km (508-mile) land border.
Thailand has returned some Cambodian soldiers ahead of crucial border talks.
