Thailand to Return 18 Cambodian Soldiers After Ceasefire

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec.27,2025)—Thailand has agreed to return 18 Cambodian soldiers following the maintenance of a ceasefire, in line with the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration signed Oct. 26, 2025.

The agreement was announced in a joint statement after the 3rd Special General Border Committee meeting at the Prum–Ban Pak Kard International Point of Entry, which links Cambodia’s Pailin province and Thailand’s Chanthaburi province.

The meeting was co-chaired by Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Gen. Tea Seiha and Thai Defense Minister Gen. Nattaphon Narkphanit. The ASEAN Observer Team attended as observers.

It marked the second agreement since an immediate ceasefire took effect at noon Dec. 27, initially set to last 72 hours.

The statement highlighted the role of ASEAN observers in verifying compliance. Both countries said they would use Border Coordination Units to sustain the truce, manage incidents, and prevent miscalculations under ASEAN oversight.

Officials said direct communication channels would remain open between defense ministers and chiefs of defense forces to address urgent issues. High-level meetings may be convened if needed to resolve disputes.

Both sides pledged to avoid spreading false information or “fake news” to ease tensions and foster dialogue.

The statement reaffirmed commitments under the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel landmines. Cambodia and Thailand said they would continue cooperation through the Joint Coordinating Task Force on Humanitarian Demining.

The two governments also committed to an Action Plan on Transnational Crime, targeting cyber scams and human trafficking, through coordination between the Cambodian National Police and the Royal Thai Police.

Official media teams from both countries will maintain regular communication to prevent misinformation and build trust in reporting on border issues.