A stark warning has emerged regarding the treatment of soldiers held captive. Two Cambodian soldiers, recently returned by the Thai military, are reportedly in terrible shape. Reports indicate severe physical and mental harm. One soldier now suffers from a disability due to injuries. The other shows signs of a serious mental illness.
This troubling situation prompted the Cambodian Human Rights Committee (CHRC) to act. On August 1, 2025, the group sent an urgent letter to Volker Türk. He serves as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. The CHRC’s letter calls for an immediate investigation. It focuses on the alleged illegal detention and rough treatment of Cambodian soldiers by Thai forces.
The CHRC states that all 20 soldiers were healthy when first taken into custody. However, when only two were sent back on August 1, their condition was shocking. The committee suspects torture and inhumane treatment during their time in captivity. They believe this reflects a pattern of human rights abuses. These include being denied medical care and contact with the outside world.
The Cambodian Human Rights Committee is now demanding answers. They insist that the remaining 18 soldiers still held be released right away, with no conditions. They also urge the United Nations or other international groups to step in. An independent, fair investigation is needed. This probe should look into the arrests, especially since they happened after a ceasefire was in place. It also needs to examine the allegations of torture and neglect of basic rights.
The news was first reported by The Phnom Penh Post.