While Thailand criticized Cambodia for being accused of refusing to accept the bodies of soldiers killed in the border clash, Cambodia asked Thailand to urgently return the 18 soldiers still in detention.
Bangkok Post reported that on August 2, the Thai government expressed a tough stance regarding Cambodia's alleged refusal to receive the bodies of soldiers killed in recent clashes in the border area between the two countries.
According to Ms. Sasikarn Wattanachan, Deputy Spokesperson of the Thai Prime Minister's Office, the act of refusing to recognize those who have fallen - if confirmed - is "inconvenient in the spirit of honoring the sacrifices of the soldiers" and goes against the value of respecting human dignity.
The announcement came as the Thailand - Cambodia border situation was still tense. The Thai side emphasized the principle of national unity, considering this a core strength to protect sovereignty and national security.
Ms. Sasikarn said: "The Thai people are always on the side of the government and the armed forces, paying the highest respect to those who are day and night defending the country. Accordingly, all sacrifices must be recognized as worthy".
On the Cambodian side, the Khmer Times reported that at a press conference on the morning of August 3, the Spokesperson of the Cambodian Ministry of National Defense, Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, called on Thailand to quickly return the remaining 18 soldiers.
As of 7:50 a.m. on July 29, 18 Cambodian soldiers have not been returned, except for the two wounded who were taken on August 1, Maly said. She emphasized that the Cambodian side should continue to pursue negotiated solutions, based on international humanitarian law.
Cambodia has also asked Malaysia for intermediary support to speed up the handover process.
Spokesperson Maly Socheata affirmed: "Under no circumstances will we leave any of our soldiers behind."
