The focus should be on restoring trust and respect to the ceasefire proposed by the U.S. and coordinated by Malaysia, It seems premature to push for a reopening of the border when the Thai government’s continued detention of the 18 kidnapped Cambodian soldiers stands out as violative of the ceasefire proposed by the U.S .. The release of these 18 soldiers is a core issue that cannot be brushed aside by secondary matters such as the reopening of the border.
YOUK CHHANG
Director, Documentation Center of Cambodia
September 15, 2025
