Cambodia Sees Soldier Release as Boost to Peace as Border Calm Allows More Civilians to Return Home

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 31, 2025) — Cambodia said Wednesday that the release of 18 soldiers detained in Thailand has bolstered confidence in peace efforts, as calm along the border allows more displaced civilians to return home.

The Ministry of National Defence said Phnom Penh hopes the release will help build trust, promote stability and support the normalization of relations with Thailand in the near future.

Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, a ministry spokesperson, said the situation along the Cambodia–Thailand border, particularly in Military Regions 4 and 5, remains calm. Cambodian forces continue to monitor developments and remain committed to the cease-fire agreement, she said.

The release was carried out under Point 11 of the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special General Border Committee Meeting, which requires full compliance with a 72-hour cease-fire. The process was observed by the ASEAN Observer Team and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The cease-fire, signed Dec. 27, has drawn broad international support, reflecting a shared desire for peace, stability and development in the region, Socheata said.

Cambodia reaffirmed its commitment to resolving disputes peacefully in line with international law, the U.N. Charter and ASEAN principles.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior said calm conditions — especially in Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey and Banteay Meanchey provinces — have enabled more displaced civilians to return home.

Between 6 p.m. Dec. 30 and 1 p.m. Dec. 31, 1,232 displaced people returned to their homes, the ministry said. In Koh Kong province, no displaced persons remain in safety camps. Nationwide, 573,151 people remain displaced, including 299,648 women and 180,099 children.