Thailand Releases 18 Cambodian Soldiers as Ceasefire Holds

New Delhi, December 31, 2025: In a significant step toward peace, Thailand has released 18 Cambodian soldiers who were held in custody for over five months. The move, completed on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, follows a fragile but holding ceasefire that has finally halted weeks of intense border conflict between the two Southeast Asian neighbors.

A Long-Awaited Homecoming

The soldiers were handed over at the Prum border gate in Cambodia’s Pailin province at approximately 10:00 AM local time. Many had been detained since July, following an earlier round of clashes. According to Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence, the troops spent a total of 155 days in Thai custody.

Family members and local officials gathered at the border to welcome the men home, many of whom were greeted with flowers and emotional reunions. The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the repatriation as a “demonstration of goodwill and confidence-building” intended to restore trust between the two nations.

The Road to the Ceasefire

The release was a key condition of a ceasefire agreement signed on Saturday, December 27. The deal followed 20 days of brutal fighting in December that saw:

• High Human Cost: At least 101 people were killed and over half a million displaced.
• Heavy Weaponry: The conflict involved fighter jet sorties, rocket fire, and artillery barrages.
• Diplomatic Pressure: Leaders from the United States, China, and Malaysia played active roles in brokering the peace deal to prevent a wider regional crisis.

While the soldiers were originally scheduled to be released on Tuesday, Thailand briefly delayed the handover, citing alleged breaches of the truce. However, after the ceasefire held firmly for a critical 72-hour window, the Thai government proceeded with the repatriation.

The Impact on Border Relations

The border dispute, which centers on contested territory near historical temples and the Dangrek mountain range, has been a source of tension for decades. This latest conflict was one of the most severe in recent years, sparked by the collapse of a previous truce in early December.

The Cambodian government stated that the return of their “heroic soldiers” creates an environment conducive to the “full normalization of relations.” Meanwhile, both militaries have pledged to maintain current troop positions without further reinforcements to avoid reigniting hostilities.

What’s Next for Thailand and Cambodia?

While the release of the 18 soldiers is a major diplomatic victory, the peace remains delicate. Foreign ministers from Thailand, Cambodia, and China recently met in Yunnan province to discuss long-term stability. The focus now shifts to:

1. Demining Operations: Both sides have agreed to cooperate on clearing landmines along the border.
2. Repatriation of Civilians: Efforts are underway to help the hundreds of thousands of displaced residents return to their homes safely.
3. Border Mapping: Long-term talks are expected to resume regarding the precise demarcation of the frontier to prevent future skirmishes.

As 2025 draws to a close, the silent guns at the border offer a glimmer of hope for a more stable 2026 for both Thai and Cambodian citizens.