Cambodia Hails Diplomatic Breakthrough After Release of 18 Soldiers Held in Thailand

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Jan. 2, 2026) — Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has expressed gratitude to regional and international partners following the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers who had been detained in Thailand for 155 days.

The soldiers were repatriated Dec. 31 through the Prum International Point of Entry in Pailin Province, in an operation coordinated under agreements reached at the Cambodia–Thailand General Border Committee meeting on Dec. 27, the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration of Oct. 26, and a trilateral meeting with China in Yunnan Province on Dec. 29.

The ministry said the repatriation was closely monitored by the ASEAN Observer Team and the International Committee of the Red Cross, which it praised for ensuring safe coordination. Officials said the release would help rebuild trust, restore normal relations and promote lasting peace along the border.

ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric welcomed the release, calling it a critical step in confidence building. “Respect for international humanitarian law, including the repatriation of prisoners of war at the end of hostilities, is essential for building trust and supporting peace,” she said.

World leaders including France, Britain, Japan, the United States, Malaysia and Germany also issued messages welcoming the soldiers’ return.