The governments of Thailand and Cambodia announced on December 31, 2025, that Thailand has released 18 Cambodian soldiers who had been detained since late July.
The repatriation came after a renewed ceasefire between the neighboring countries held for more than 72 hours, fulfilling one of the key terms of the truce and marking a significant moment in efforts to de-escalate months of border conflict.
Background of the Conflict
The detained soldiers were captured on July 29, 2025, near the contested border area between Thailand and Cambodia, a region long disputed due to ambiguous colonial-era boundary demarcations.
The soldiers initially became a flashpoint in escalating tensions after clashes broke out despite an existing ceasefire earlier that month.
While two injured soldiers were returned to Cambodia in early August, the remaining 18 had stayed in Thai custody for roughly 155 days under the designation of prisoners of war.
The broader conflict has seen multiple rounds of violence this year, with serious military engagements involving artillery, rocket fire, and airstrikes.
These confrontations have resulted in significant casualties on both sides and have displaced large numbers of civilians living in border provinces. The volatility of the situation led to several attempts at ceasefires and negotiations mediated by international actors.
The New Ceasefire and Conditions for Release
On December 27, 2025, defense ministers from both countries signed a new ceasefire agreement during a Special General Border Committee meeting.
This deal, aimed at ending weeks of renewed hostilities, included a stipulation that Thailand would return the 18 Cambodian soldiers if the ceasefire held for 72 consecutive hours.
The condition was put in place as a confidence-building measure to reinforce mutual trust and demonstrate commitment to peace.
The ceasefire officially took effect on Saturday, and as the 72-hour period was reached, Thailand proceeded with the repatriation.
There was a brief delay in the handover, with Bangkok citing alleged ceasefire violations which Cambodia denied, but the process ultimately went ahead without major incident.
Repatriation Process and International Oversight
The repatriation occurred at around 10:00 a.m. local time at the Ban Phakkat border checkpoint in Thailand’s Chanthaburi province, close to the Cambodian border.
The return of the soldiers was observed by representatives from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the ASEAN Observer Team, ensuring that the process was transparent and conducted according to humanitarian standards.
Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that throughout their detention, the soldiers were treated in line with international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions, and were regularly visited by the ICRC.
The ministry noted that the repatriation was a demonstration of goodwill and confidence-building aimed at fostering a more stable and cooperative relationship with Cambodia.
Cambodian authorities also welcomed the return of their soldiers, with officials and family members greeting them warmly upon arrival at the Prum International Border Crossing in Pailin province.
Cambodian defense officials described the soldiers as heroes and expressed relief at their safe return.
Looking Ahead
The release of the 18 soldiers is widely seen as a positive step in easing tensions between Thailand and Cambodia.
By fulfilling a key requirement of the ceasefire agreement, both sides have taken concrete action toward stabilizing relations that have been strained by months of conflict.
Observers suggest that this gesture could help pave the way for further diplomatic engagement and cooperation on long-standing issues such as border demarcation, demining efforts, and the safe return of displaced civilians.
However, challenges remain. While the ceasefire and the release of detainees signal progress, deeper political and territorial disputes still need resolution to prevent future flare-ups.
Analysts emphasize that sustained dialogue, continued adherence to ceasefire terms, and involvement from regional bodies like ASEAN will be critical in building long-term peace and stability along the Thailand-Cambodia border.
In summary, the repatriation of the 18 Cambodian soldiers after nearly five months of detention represents a hopeful moment in a turbulent year.
It reflects a willingness by both nations to adhere to agreements and seek pathways toward peace, even amid complex and emotionally charged disputes.
