The Army reveals actions of Cambodia detaining Thai citizens at the Poipet border checkpoint, obstructing their return to Thailand, which may amount to war crimes.
On 14 Dec 2025, FacebookArmy Spoke Teamposted a statement saying, "Regarding Cambodia's clear actions obstructing the return of thousands of Thai citizens at the Poipet checkpoint,
Major General Winthai Suwaree, Army spokesperson, said these acts may qualify as unlawful detention of civilians or resemble taking civilians as hostages, potentially being understood internationally as illegal detention and a violation of basic human rights, especially the right and freedom to return to one’s home country.
Furthermore, such actions may violate international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions on the Protection of Civilians in Time of War dated 12 August 1949, as well as additional protocols to the Geneva Conventions and related protocols concerning the protection of victims of international armed conflicts from 1977.
Those involved in the unlawful detention of civilians may be liable as war criminals under international law.
Since Cambodia is a party to the Geneva Conventions and their additional protocols, it has legal obligations under international law to comply strictly, especially to facilitate the return of thousands of Thai citizens at Poipet promptly to avoid violations of international law and universal human rights principles."
Thanks to Facebook page Army Spoke Team