Thai Army Invites Red Cross to Inspect Cambodian POWs

BANGKOK, Aug 5 (TNA) - The Royal Thai Army and its 2nd Army Region, along with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, today invited the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to inspect 18 Cambodian prisoners of war (POWs) currently held in Thailand, an army spokesman said.

According to Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree, the visit is intended to allow the ICRC to verify the living conditions and treatment of the POWs and to speak with all 18 of them.

This is an empirical proof that the Thai side has acted correctly in accordance with international law and the Geneva Conventions, Winthai said. "Every step of the process has been transparent and is ready for scrutiny by the international community in all cases.

Winthai also addressed Cambodia's demands for the return of the POWs, saying the efforts were a "veiled attempt" to damage Thailand's credibility in the eyes of the world. He believes this will be unsuccessful as Thailand has been open and straightforward in its adherence to international laws and conventions, in contrast to Cambodia's actions.

The spokesman added that Thailand has previously acted in line with the Geneva Conventions and international principles by officially repatriating the bodies of 18 deceased Cambodian soldiers with proper procedures and respect. Additionally, on August 1, two more Cambodian soldiers were returned to Cambodia. -819 (TNA)