The Army spokesperson condemned Cambodia for detaining Thai nationals at the Poipet checkpoint, saying this could constitute war crimes and violations of international law and universal human rights principles.
On 14 December 2025 at 18:48 GMT+7, Major General Winthai Suwaree, Army spokesperson, commented on Cambodia's clear actions obstructing the return of thousands of Thai citizens at the Poipet checkpoint. He said these actions may amount to unlawful detention of civilians or resemble taking civilians hostage, which could be internationally understood 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 for the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War dated 12 August 1949, as well as additional protocols to the Geneva Conventions and related protocols protecting victims of international armed conflicts from 1977.
Major General Winthai added that those involved in the unlawful detention of civilians could be liable as war criminals under international law. Since Cambodia is a party to the Geneva Conventions and its additional protocols, it has strict legal obligations under international law, particularly to facilitate the prompt return of thousands of Thai citizens at the Poipet checkpoint to avoid violations of international law and universal human rights principles.