Thailand Releases 18 Cambodian Soldiers Following Ceasefire Agreement
Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence confirms the return after 155 days in Thai custody, marking a significant development in the ongoing border tensions.
Overview of the Situation
After a prolonged period of conflict, Thailand has successfully transferred 18 Cambodian soldiers back to their homeland. This release comes in the wake of a renewed ceasefire agreement established between the two nations, aimed at ending weeks of deadly border clashes. The soldiers arrived in Cambodia at approximately 10 AM local time on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, signaling a hopeful turn in relations between the neighboring countries.
Details of the Handover
The repatriation of the Cambodian soldiers was confirmed by Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In a statement, they emphasized that this action was taken as a “demonstration of goodwill and confidence-building.” The handover was facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which congratulated both nations on reaching a truce.
ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric remarked on the significance of the event, stating, “Today’s release and repatriation of prisoners of war allows families to be reunited and marks an important step in translating the commitments outlined in the Joint Statement into action.” The ICRC had previously visited the detained soldiers multiple times to ensure their treatment adhered to international laws.
Background of the Conflict
The escalating tensions between Thailand and Cambodia reignited earlier this month, following the collapse of a ceasefire agreement brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The latest clashes, which lasted 20 days, resulted in over 100 fatalities and displaced more than half a million residents along the border.
The ongoing conflict saw intense military actions, including the deployment of fighter jets and artillery. A renewed ceasefire was established over the weekend, coming into effect at noon (05:00 GMT) on Saturday. However, the release of the soldiers was briefly postponed due to allegations of ceasefire violations by Thailand, which Cambodia denied.
Long-Term Solutions
Both nations have committed to freezing troop movements and collaborating on demining efforts along their disputed 800-kilometer border. The two countries face a historic conflict regarding this border, which dates back to the early 1900s when France occupied Cambodia. This area has been a point of contention previously, with notable clashes occurring between 2008 and 2011.
The disputed territory is home to several ancient temples constructed by the Khmer Empire. Preah Vihear, one of these temples, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was the focus of a pivotal 1962 International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling favoring Cambodia. Further rulings from the ICJ in 2013 reaffirmed this decision.
Conclusion
The release of the 18 soldiers marks a crucial moment in the ongoing efforts toward peace and reconciliation between Thailand and Cambodia. The commitment to a ceasefire, alongside measures to improve trust, signals a potential shift in the historical conflicts that have characterized their relations. The international community continues to monitor the developments with interest, hoping for a lasting resolution that respects the rights and wellbeing of all parties involved.
This story is emblematic of broader geopolitical dynamics in Southeastern Asia, stressing the importance of diplomacy in resolving long-standing territorial disputes. For further details about international relations in this region, you may explore World Politics Review.
