31.12.2025 13:03
Thailand released 18 Cambodian soldiers it had held since July as part of a ceasefire agreement with Cambodia. The soldiers were handed over to Cambodian authorities in a process monitored by ASEAN and the International Red Cross Committee.
A ceasefire was established on December 27 in the long-standing border conflicts between Thailand and Cambodia, which have claimed the lives of more than 100 people. Following the agreement on the ceasefire, Thailand released 18 Cambodian soldiers in the border area in the morning. The Cambodian soldiers, who had been under Thai supervision for approximately 155 days, were handed over to Cambodian military officials at the Ban Pak Kad border gate in Thailand's Chanthaburi province under the supervision of an observer delegation formed by ASEAN and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
"THEY WERE TREATED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAW"
In a statement from the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was noted that the soldiers were treated in accordance with international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions during their detention. The statement expressed that the soldiers underwent health checks before their handover and were safely sent back to their country.
"FRAGILE" CEASEFIRE
Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow stated in a statement yesterday that the ceasefire has just been established and is going through a fragile process, emphasizing that both sides need to act carefully. Sihasak said, "The ceasefire is a process that has just been agreed upon and is therefore fragile. Provocations or provocative actions that could weaken the ceasefire should be avoided. Both sides need to ensure the sustainability of this process and gradually repair relations."
MESSAGE OF "WELCOME" TO SOLDIERS FROM CAMBODIA'S PRIME MINISTER HUN MANET
After the successful handover in the border area, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet shared on his social media account, "Welcome to our 18 soldiers who have safely returned to the homeland."
THEY WERE DETAINED IN JULY
The 18 soldiers who were released were detained during clashes that occurred on July 29 along the disputed border line in Thailand's Sisaket province. In statements made by the Thai Army, it was claimed that the soldiers were captured within Thai borders and surrendered by laying down their weapons after the clashes. This incident has become one of the most significant issues in the months-long diplomatic and military tension between the two countries, with the Cambodian government frequently calling for the release of the soldiers.