Cambodia on Friday welcomed the return of two wounded soldiers captured by Thailand after the two countries had agreed to a ceasefire ending five days of fighting over disputed border territory. The repatriation took place amid ongoing accusations from both sides of targeting civilians, violating the laws of war, and fueling nationalist tensions online. The remaining 18 Cambodian soldiers from the 20-member group captured Tuesday in a contested border zone remain in Thai custody, with Phnom Penh demanding their release. Cambodian officials say their troops had approached Thai forces in a friendly manner to exchange post-battle greetings. Thailand claims the Cambodians entered what it considers its territory with possible hostile intent, prompting their detention. Defense Ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata confirmed the handover occurred at a border checkpoint between Thailand's Surin province and Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey province. She urged Bangkok to repatriate the others "in accordance with international humanitarian law." Thailand said it is holding the remaining soldiers pending an investigation into their actions. Thailand's 2nd Army Region identified the repatriated men as a sergeant with a broken arm and hip injury, and a second lieutenant suffering from battle fatigue who was released to family care. Both, it said, swore not to engage in future hostilities. Cambodia's Human Rights Committee accused Thailand in a letter to the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights of torturing the soldiers and denying them medical treatment, and called for an impartial international investigation. No evidence accompanied the allegations. Friday also saw both nations organize tours of former battle areas for diplomats and observers, each blaming the other for damage and alleged violations of international law. More than three dozen people, including civilians and soldiers, were killed in the recent fighting, which saw artillery duels, Cambodian truck-mounted rocket fire, and Thai airstrikes. Over 260,000 people were displaced. Under the ceasefire, military representatives are set to meet next week to discuss measures to avoid renewed clashes. The talks will not address the decades-old territorial dispute at the root of tensions. Online, partisans from both countries have continued trading accusations, with Thailand alleging Cambodian hacking. Both nations' journalism associations have accused the other's media of spreading disinformation and propaganda. — Agencies
