Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn Receives New ICRC Regional Head; Discusses Humanitarian Support and Border Tensions
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – In a high-level meeting on December 17, 2025, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. PRAK Sokhonn, received the credentials of Mr. Jürg Montani, the newly appointed Head of the Regional Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
The meeting served as a vital platform to discuss the ongoing humanitarian cooperation between the ICRC and Cambodia, particularly regarding the welfare of individuals affected by the current border situation.
Status Update: The 18 Captured Soldiers
The most significant outcome of the meeting was the update regarding the 18 Cambodian soldiers who were captured by Thai forces on July 29, 2025.
- Physical Health: Mr. Montani confirmed that based on a recent ICRC visit, all 18 soldiers currently in Thai custody are safe and in good health.
- Family Communication: The ICRC has successfully collected personal messages from the detained soldiers. These letters will be forwarded to their respective families in Cambodia through the Cambodian Red Cross (CRC).
Strengthening the Humanitarian Partnership
DPM Prak Sokhonn and Mr. Montani reviewed several key pillars of ICRC’s operations within the Kingdom:
- Rehabilitation Programs: Continued support for persons with disabilities.
- Detainee Welfare: Efforts to enhance the living conditions and rights of those in detention.
- International Humanitarian Law (IHL): Promoting the rules of war and the protection of non-combatants.
- Border Assistance: Coordinating humanitarian aid for communities impacted by the recent tensions along the Cambodian-Thai border.
“The ICRC’s role as a neutral intermediary remains essential in ensuring the protection of our citizens and maintaining a channel of communication for families separated by conflict,” the Ministry noted in a summary of the exchange.