U.S.-based activist Michael B. Alfaro has publicly called for the immediate release of 18 Cambodian soldiers, urging American intervention and sharing a photographed letter addressed to former U.S. President Donald J. Trump.

In a social media post from New York, Alfaro wrote that “America will always stand for the victim of war crimes against humanity,” adding, “It’s time to free the 18 soldiers. It’s time to return the dead so they can rest in peace.”

The Letter He Shared

The letter—dated August 21, 2025 and signed by Leewood Phu (identified in the document as a 2017 candidate for U.S. Ambassador to Thailand)—congratulates Trump on policy achievements and references an unconditional ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand. It claims 20 Cambodian soldiers were abducted and that two were later released “with evidences of tortures and trauma,” while 18 remain as hostages.

“I’m respectfully asking you to use the powers vested in the United States Presidency to order the remaining hostages be unconditionally and immediately released,” the letter reads, arguing such action would “ensure a truly solid ceasefire and lasting peace.”