Following the death of a Cambodian soldier in a skirmish in May, there was a troop build-up that culminated in five days of fierce battle in late July.
Ahead of a crucial conference in Malaysia next week when defense ministers and military commanders will hold discussions aimed at preserving a truce along their disputed border, Thailand’s army sent home two Cambodian soldiers from a group of 20 on Friday.
The act of liberating only two soldiers-based on this segment of the event-does reflect something really operative behind the curtain: It might bode well for something more conducive in the future. For as long as Cambodia, with its partnership with external powers, is willing to keep trying to talk in an earnest manner with Malaysia, madness trailing military talks, then, the overreaching humanitarian act of the Thai soldiers will create an atmosphere where talks can go on. But Cambodia remains stringent in their plea for all detainees to be set free.
Unseen Human Misery and Destruction
Countless innocent strangers, newly rendered homeless in jungles and farmlands, are left tangled in the face of nothing and nowhere to turn. There shall lie a weight upon their shoulders to go on with the fester while bridges loom peddling on the front lines of the hither tempest but try not to make St. Teresa into Thanatos for one. Two prisoners are given freedom since they represent the array of things yet to be accomplished-to ensure that peace passes at least another minute.
The clashes claimed at least 43 lives and left over 300,000 people displaced. Prior to this, Thailand and Cambodia had to pay 36% tariffs on goods going to the US, which was one of their biggest export destinations. The White House said Friday that they will now pay a 19% tax after more negotiations.
A Diplomatic Issue Concerning a Forward Move
High-profile delegates have convened in Malaysia-shepherded by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim-lending a hand towards maintaining peace through leadership from ASEAN and the U.S. and China. Thailand is under international scrutiny regarding ceasefire violations, only to mention that Cambodia is pressing full force ahead for the restoration of their peons. Pending the outcome of these talks will be the question of the continuation of the fragile ceasefire or the igniting of hot tensions.
Jirayu Houngsub, a spokesman for the Thai government in Bangkok, said reporters Friday that 18 Cambodian soldiers were being processed for breaking immigration laws, while two had been sent back. “The Cambodian soldiers intruded on Thai territory and the army took them into custody, treating them based on humanitarian principles,” he stated.
The defense ministry of Cambodia requested in a statement that Thailand release all of the soldiers who had been detained. “Cambodia is actively engaging in negotiations to secure their release, and reiterates its firm call for their immediate and unconditional release in accordance with international humanitarian law,” said a representative for the ministry.
Thai Acting Defense Minister Nattaphon Narkphanit informed reporters that the General Border Committee, which oversees army deployments, ceasefires and border security, will convene from August 4–7.
