Thailand Frees 18 Cambodian Soldiers Amid Ongoing Border Tensions

Wed Dec 31 2025 14:04:33 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The release of 18 Cambodian soldiers, held since July due to escalating clashes along the Thailand-Cambodia border, marks a significant step in a fragile ceasefire agreement mediated under international pressure.

Thailand has released 18 Cambodian soldiers captured during severe clashes along the border as part of a recent ceasefire agreement. The handover, prompted by diplomatic pressure and regional tensions, aims to reduce hostilities that have left many displaced. Both nations are cautiously optimistic about improving relations, despite earlier setbacks in the ceasefire accord.

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 the 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, with their release being one of the main demands of the Cambodian government in the ceasefire talks with Thailand.

On Wednesday, Thailand's foreign ministry stated the release of the soldiers was a demonstration of goodwill and expressed hope that Cambodia would reciprocate this goodwill through its concrete actions.

Cambodia confirmed the return of its troops, with its defense ministry stating it remains hopeful that this will help build mutual trust and confidence.

One of the terms of the ceasefire was that the 18 soldiers had to be handed over within 72 hours - by noon local time on Tuesday. However, this was delayed after Bangkok accused Phnom Penh of violating the truce by deploying unmanned aerial vehicles into Thailand.

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

Disagreement over the border has historical roots dating back over a century, with tensions notably increasing early this year after a group of Cambodian women sang patriotic songs in a disputed temple.

A Cambodian soldier was killed in a clash in May. Then in July, five days of intense fighting along the border resulted in numerous deaths among soldiers and civilians, displacing thousands.

The two countries agreed to a fragile ceasefire in July, which was signed in October and brokered by US President Donald Trump, but tensions flared anew early this month, leading to accusations from both sides.