Thailand Urges Cambodia to Retrieve Fallen Soldiers’ Bodies Amid Border Conflict
Acting defence minister presses for dignified repatriation and health protection
Thai acting Defence Minister Gen Nattapon Nakpanich addressed his Cambodian counterpart during a tripartite conference ahead of border talks in Malaysia, urging prompt recovery of Cambodian soldiers’ remains left near the conflict zone.
Nattapon highlighted health risks posed by decomposing bodies in border areas and noted that Thai forces have been returning Cambodian remains found on Thai soil in line with Geneva Convention standards.
He confirmed that Cambodia initially denied ownership of some bodies but later accepted repatriation.
Thai troops stationed near Phu Ma Kua reported severe distress from foul odours and said protective masks were necessary at all times.
Nattapon also challenged Cambodia’s claims over the treatment of captured troops, stating that eighteen Cambodian soldiers held by Thailand have been treated humanely and verified by international observers, and that their continued detention reflects concern over Cambodia’s handling of facts and the need for formal documentation.
Nattapon highlighted health risks posed by decomposing bodies in border areas and noted that Thai forces have been returning Cambodian remains found on Thai soil in line with Geneva Convention standards.
He confirmed that Cambodia initially denied ownership of some bodies but later accepted repatriation.
Thai troops stationed near Phu Ma Kua reported severe distress from foul odours and said protective masks were necessary at all times.
Nattapon also challenged Cambodia’s claims over the treatment of captured troops, stating that eighteen Cambodian soldiers held by Thailand have been treated humanely and verified by international observers, and that their continued detention reflects concern over Cambodia’s handling of facts and the need for formal documentation.
