Phnom penh: Cambodia on Thursday called on Thailand to release 20 Cambodian soldiers that it captured after a ceasefire took effect, said a Cambodian defense spokesperson. Speaking in a press briefing, Cambodian Defense Ministry's Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson, Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, stated that Thai soldiers took 21 Cambodian soldiers under control on July 29 at 7:30 a.m. local time.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Socheata mentioned that one of the Cambodian soldiers was reported dead. "We call on Thai side to send all 20 military personnel back to Cambodia as soon as possible," she said. Cambodia, with the mediation from Malaysia, the current chair of ASEAN, is negotiating with Thailand to resolve this issue.

The Thai army announced on Thursday that the detained Cambodian soldiers would be repatriated after legal procedures are undertaken. They assured that the soldiers are being handled in accordance with international law and that they will be returned once the necessary legalities are completed.

The incident follows armed clashes that erupted between Cambodian and Thai soldiers in border areas on July 24. Both countries agreed on an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, which took effect at midnight on Monday.