Thailand has released 18 Cambodian soldiers who were captured in July during deadly clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border, following a ceasefire agreement reached between the two countries over the weekend.
The handover, which took place on Wednesday, was delayed by a day after Thailand raised concerns over alleged ceasefire violations. The release ultimately went ahead following diplomatic pressure from China to ensure the truce remained in place.
The ceasefire, agreed on Saturday, aims to freeze front lines, prevent further military reinforcements and allow civilians displaced by the fighting to return home. Weeks of violence along the disputed border had forced nearly one million people from their homes.
The soldiers, dressed in civilian clothing, were transferred at a border checkpoint and handed over to Cambodian authorities, where they were welcomed by supporters. Their detention had inflamed nationalist sentiment in Cambodia and was a key demand during ceasefire negotiations.
Thailand’s foreign ministry described the release as a “gesture of goodwill” and expressed hope that Cambodia would respond with “concrete actions”. Cambodia confirmed the soldiers’ return, saying it hoped the move would help rebuild mutual trust.
The handover was required within 72 hours under the ceasefire terms but was postponed after Thailand accused Cambodia of breaching the agreement by flying more than 250 drones into Thai airspace. Despite the dispute, the ceasefire appears to be holding.
Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia over their shared border date back more than a century. Fighting intensified earlier this year following incidents at a disputed temple, leading to multiple deaths, mass displacement and the collapse of a previous ceasefire brokered in October.
