Thai Army Grants ICRC Access to Cambodian Pows

By Kenny Teng Khoon Hock

BANGKOK, Aug 5 (Bernama) -- The Royal Thai Army (RTA) has allowed officials from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to visit and assess 18 Cambodian prisoners of war detained during the recent Thai-Cambodian border clashes.

The RTA said the 18 Cambodian prisoners of war are currently being held at a detention facility under the jurisdiction of the 2nd Army Region.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the RTA said it had granted officials from the Bangkok-based ICRC Regional Office access in accordance with international protocols, and reaffirmed its strict adherence to international humanitarian principles.

“The ICRC is a humanitarian organisation specialising in the protection and welfare of prisoners of war, operating according to international standards, with neutrality and broad global recognition,” said the RTA, which facilitated the visit in coordination with the Foreign Ministry.

The RTA said the purpose of the visit was to assess the prisoners' living conditions and to provide a channel of communication with their families.

“It also reflects Thailand’s deep respect for, and strict compliance with, international humanitarian law, particularly its obligations under the 1949 Geneva Conventions, to which Thailand is a State Party,” it said.

Reporting that all 18 detainees are in good health and that none has sustained injuries, the RTA said: “They are being properly cared for, receiving three meals a day, housed in safe and hygienic accommodation, and are under close medical supervision by local military doctors.”

Thailand and Cambodia have long been embroiled in a dispute over their 817-kilometre border. The latest crisis began with a brief skirmish on May 28 and escalated into armed clashes on July 24.

On July 28, both nations agreed to an immediate ceasefire following a special meeting in Putrajaya hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the current ASEAN Chair.

It was previously reported that 20 Cambodian soldiers were held captive by the Thai army following the clashes. On Aug 1, Thailand released two injured Cambodian soldiers.

-- BERNAMA