Thailand released 18 Cambodian soldiers on Wednesday under a renewed ceasefire agreed by the two countries at the weekend, authorities from both countries said, easing tensions after weeks of deadly border clashes.
The Southeast Asian neighbors agreed to halt fighting at noon on Saturday (0500 GMT), ending about 20 days of clashes that killed at least 101 people and displaced more than half a million civilians on both sides.
The fighting included fighter jet sorties, exchanges of rocket fire, and artillery barrages.
Thailand released 18 Cambodian soldiers under a renewed ceasefire agreed by the two countries at the weekend, authorities from both countries said, after weeks of deadly border clashes. via REUTERS
Cambodian soldiers making a traditional gesture of greeting after their release and return to Cambodia on Dec. 31, 2025. Agence Kampuchea Press (AKP)/AFP via Getty ImagesCambodian Defence Ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata said the soldiers were transferred at a border checkpoint at 10 am (0300 GMT) on Wednesday, after 155 days in Thai custody.
The governor of Cambodia’s Battambang province, Sok Lou, described the returnees as “heroic soldiers.”
Thailand’s Foreign Ministry said the detainees had been treated “in accordance with international humanitarian law and principles” during their detention.
The border clashes flared up again this month after a previous ceasefire deal brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim collapsed.
A Cambodian soldier hugging a crying relative after being released by Thai soldiers, with other people and red roses visible. Agence Kampuchea Press (AKP)/AFP via Getty Images
Cambodian villagers holding the nation’s flags gathered together to welcome home released soldiers on Dec. 31, 2025. AP
A destroyed concrete bridge is seen at the border area between Chong Kal district of Oddar Meanchey province and Srei Snam district of Siem Reap province, in Cambodia, Dec. 20, 2025. Xinhua/ShutterstockAs part of Saturday’s deal to halt the fighting, Thailand agreed to release the 18 soldiers in its custody if the ceasefire held for 72 hours.
However, the handover was delayed by one day after Thailand made allegations of ceasefire violations by Cambodia, which Cambodia denied.
“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,” said Mirjana Spoljaric, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, which supervised the handover.
