Kuala lumpur: The handover of 20 Cambodian soldiers detained by the Thai military following a recent armed clash is anticipated to be finalized shortly. Chief of Defence Forces General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar, who leads the ceasefire monitoring team, stated that this handover underscores Malaysia's dedication to the ceasefire through collaboration among the involved nations.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the assistance requested by Cambodia is part of the duties of the monitoring team to ensure the ceasefire is maintained. General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar further conveyed the request to the Thai authorities as an act of goodwill aimed at fostering peace. He noted that Thailand has shown cooperation, and expressed confidence that the process will be concluded soon. He also assured that all Cambodian soldiers in Thai custody are being treated well.

Bernama reported that Cambodia sought Malaysia's assistance, as the coordinator and observer of the ceasefire, to help secure the release of its soldiers detained by the Thai military following the border conflict. The Cambodian Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, Vong Pisen, formally requested help from the Malaysian side.

Additionally, the Ministry of National Defence spokesperson, Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, stated that while the Thai military has returned the body of one Cambodian soldier, 20 soldiers remain in custody. The armed confrontation came to an end at midnight on July 28, following an agreement reached during a special meeting organized by Malaysia in Putrajaya.