The troops were captured about eight hours after the ceasefire with Thailand came into effect, says a Cambodian defence ministry spokesperson.

First came a push from the Malaysian premier, then China reached out, but it was only after U.S. President Donald Trump called Thailand's leader last week that Bangkok agreed to talks with Cambodia to end an escalating military conflict.

By Devjyot Ghoshal, Francesco Guarascio and Poppy McPherson (Reuters) -When weeks of tensions escalated into a major border conflict with Thailand last week, former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen appeared to take charge of his country's response.