Thailand has released 18 Cambodian soldiers who had been held in custody for more than five months, marking a significant step in easing tensions between the two Southeast Asian neighbours.
The handover took place on Wednesday morning at the Prum International Border Checkpoint in Cambodia’s Pailin province, three days after a renewed ceasefire agreement came into effect.
According to Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence, the soldiers crossed back into Cambodian territory at 10 a.m. local time (03:00 GMT), ending 155 days of detention in Thailand.
The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the repatriation, describing it as “a demonstration of goodwill and confidence-building”.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which coordinated the release, welcomed the move. Its president, Mirjana Spoljaric, stated: “Today’s release and repatriation of prisoners of war allows families to be reunited and marks an important step in translating the commitments outlined in the Joint Statement into action.”
She emphasised that adherence to international humanitarian law, including the repatriation of prisoners at the end of hostilities, was vital for building trust and paving the way for lasting peace.
The release follows 20 days of intense clashes earlier this month along the disputed border, which left at least 101 people dead and forced more than half a million civilians to flee their homes.
Fighting involved air strikes, rocket fire, and artillery exchanges, underscoring the volatility of the long-running dispute.
The soldiers were initially scheduled to return on Tuesday, but Thailand delayed the handover citing alleged ceasefire violations, including drone incursions, which Cambodia deniedAnadolu Agency.
The ceasefire, which began at noon on Saturday, has so far held. Both governments have agreed to freeze troop movements and cooperate on demining operations along their 800-kilometre contested frontier.
The border dispute dates back to the early 20th century during French colonial rule in Cambodia and has flared repeatedly, most notably between 2008 and 2011.
At the heart of the dispute are three ancient temples built by the Khmer Empire, including the UNESCO-listed Preah Vihear temple.
The International Court of Justice ruled in Cambodia’s favour in 1962 and reaffirmed its decision in 2013, but tensions have persisted.
Families of the released soldiers expressed relief and joy. “I am so happy. I can’t wait to see him. I miss him so much,” said Voeung Vy, father of one of the soldiers.
For many, the repatriation represents not only a diplomatic gesture but also a deeply personal moment of reunion after months of uncertainty.
While the ceasefire has brought temporary calm, analysts warn that the underlying border dispute remains unresolved.
The coming months will test whether Bangkok and Phnom Penh can transform this fragile truce into a sustainable peace, particularly as both sides face pressure to ensure stability along one of Southeast Asia’s most contested frontiers.
Sources: Al Jazeera, Thailand Foreign Ministry, Cambodia Foreign Ministry
