On Friday, Thailand repatriated two out of twenty detained Cambodian soldiers ahead of a major meeting scheduled in Malaysia next week. The meeting, involving defence ministers and military leaders from both nations, aims to uphold a fragile ceasefire along their contested border.

Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia flared into the worst conflict in over ten years last week, with artillery exchanges and jet strikes resulting in at least 43 deaths and the displacement of over 300,000 people.

A ceasefire was reached on Monday after Malaysia’s intervention and direct phone calls from U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned both countries of suspended tariff discussions unless the violence ceased.

Previously, both nations faced U.S. tariffs of 36% on exports, but following renewed diplomatic talks, the rate has been reduced to 19%, as confirmed by the White House on Friday.

Thai government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub stated that the two Cambodian soldiers were returned on humanitarian grounds, while the remaining 18 are being held for immigration violations. He added the soldiers had crossed into Thai territory unlawfully and were detained accordingly.

Cambodia’s defence ministry issued a statement urging Thailand to release all captured soldiers immediately and unconditionally, in line with international humanitarian laws, and emphasized its ongoing diplomatic efforts to that end.

Originally planned for Cambodia, the high-level defence meeting will now take place in Malaysia at Thailand’s request for a neutral location. The General Border Committee will convene from August 4–7 to discuss border security, ceasefire mechanisms, and military deployment coordination.

A Malaysian official announced that ASEAN defence attachés, along with U.S. and Chinese representatives, have been invited to join the discussions.

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