Thailand Releases 18 Cambodian Soldiers Amid Ceasefire Agreement

Wed Dec 31 2025 12:40:40 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a significant diplomatic move, Thailand has released 18 Cambodian soldiers who had been held captive since July, following a ceasefire agreement amid heightened tensions along the border.

Thailand has successfully released 18 Cambodian soldiers captured during border clashes earlier this year, as part of a recently agreed ceasefire. This handover, delayed for a day due to accusations of ceasefire violations, signals a potential thaw in relations between the nations. Both countries have stated their commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the border region, with pressures from diplomatic channels playing a vital role.

Thailand has released 18 Cambodian soldiers that were captured in July during deadly border clashes as part of a ceasefire the two countries agreed to on Saturday.

The handover was delayed by a day over Thai concerns over alleged violations of the ceasefire, but took place after sustained Chinese diplomatic pressure to ensure the deal holds.

Simmering tensions along Thailand-Cambodia border exploded early this month and went on for weeks, forcing nearly one million people from their homes.

Saturday's deal had seen both sides agree to freeze the front lines where they are now, ban reinforcements, and allow civilians living in border areas to return as soon as possible.

The 18 Cambodian soldiers, dressed in civilian clothes, were greeted by well-wishers as they were escorted over a border checkpoint and handed to the Cambodian authorities.

Their captivity since July - during an earlier round of deadly clashes - has inflamed nationalist sentiment in Cambodia, their release being one of the main demands of its government in the ceasefire talks with Thailand.

On Wednesday, Thailand's foreign ministry stated that the release of the soldiers was a demonstration of goodwill and expressed hope for reciprocal actions from Cambodia.

Cambodia confirmed the return of its troops, with its defense ministry conveying optimism that this will help build mutual trust and confidence.

One of the terms of the ceasefire required the 18 soldiers to be handed over within 72 hours. However, this was delayed after Bangkok accused Phnom Penh of violating the truce by flying over 250 unmanned aerial vehicles into Thailand.

Despite Thailand's complaints, the latest ceasefire appears to be holding so far.

Disagreements over the border have persisted for more than a century, but tensions escalated earlier this year following a group of Cambodian women singing patriotic songs in a disputed temple.

A Cambodian soldier was killed in a clash in May, and by July, five days of intense fighting left dozens dead and thousands displaced.

After a fragile ceasefire was initially agreed upon in July and subsequently signed in October with US mediation, tensions resurfaced, highlighting the precarious nature of peace in the region.