The Royal Thai Army arranged today for representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to visit 18 Cambodian soldiers held in Thai custody, in line with provisions of the Geneva Conventions.
The army’s deputy spokesperson, Col Richa Suksuvanon, said that the soldiers, considered prisoners of war (POWs), are being held at a detention facility under Second Army Region’s jurisdiction.
“The visit of ICRC representatives is aimed at ensuring that that the detainees are being properly treated, provided with adequate food and health checks and to confirm that no torture or mistreatment has taken place,” Richa said.
The ICRC is an internationally recognised humanitarian organisation, responsible for monitoring the treatment of prisoners of war around the world, he said.
“It operates independently and neutrally under international standards. This visit was a routine procedure by the ICRC and was not a result of any demand or allegation made by the Cambodian side,” he insisted.
Cambodia has repeatedly demanded that Thailand release the group, which it claims were abducted from Cambodian soil.
Thailand has firmly rejected the accusation and claims that the soldiers surrendered and agreed to be disarmed.
Two of the group were repatriated, because one was injured and the other appeared to be suffering from PTSD. After receiving them, Phnom Penh claimed that the duo exhibited signs of abuse and torture.
This was the apparent reason behind Thailand’s invitation for ICRC to meet the detainees, to show that the remaining soldiers are being treated properly.
The primary purpose of the visit was to assess the detainees’ living conditions and to allow them to communicate with their families, Richa said.
It also served to provide reassurance of Thailand’s commitment to upholding international humanitarian principles, particularly its obligations under the 1949 Geneva Conventions, to which Thailand is a signatory.
The visit also reflects Thailand’s transparency in its handling of POWs, treating them with dignity, in line with international standards, the deputy spokesman said.
During the visit, the army allowed ICRC officials to meet and speak freely with the detainees, without time restrictions. Health checks were also undertaken, to verify that no torture or inhumane treatment had occurred, as had been falsely reported in some media outlets.
The army provided the ICRC delegation with a briefing on the events that led to the detention of the Cambodian soldiers, as well as details of the care and medical treatment being provided.
Army personnel also explained the process for repatriating the injured and mentally unwell POWs, which took place on August 1st. They confirmed that all the remaining 18 Cambodian POWs are in good health, with no injuries.
They are being properly cared for, with three meals a day, safe and hygienic accommodation and regular medical attention.
Richa emphasised that the ICRC procedures strictly prohibit Thai officials and the media from observing or participating in the conversations between the detainees and ICRC representatives.
This restriction highlights the transparency and cooperation between Thailand and the international humanitarian organisation, according to the military.
