Thailand has released and repatriated 18 Cambodian soldiers who had been held as prisoners of war since late July 2025, following a renewed ceasefire agreement aimed at halting weeks of deadly border clashes between the two neighbouring countries, government officials said.

According to Reuters, the soldiers were handed over to Cambodian authorities on 31 December 2025 after the ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia held for the required period under the terms of the deal.

The soldiers arrived on Cambodian soil at around 10 a.m. local time (03:00 GMT) on Wednesday, welcomed by officials at the Prum International Border Crossing in Pailin province. According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, provincial authorities greeted the returning troops, describing the moment as an emotional reunion with families and communities after 155 days in detention.

Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the repatriation was carried out in line with a Joint Statement signed on 27 December 2025 by Cambodian and Thai officials, which committed both sides to return prisoners once the ceasefire was maintained for at least 72 hours. The statement reaffirmed prior agreements toward de-escalation and lasting peace along the disputed border that had witnessed repeated fighting. According to a statement from Thailand’s foreign ministry, the repatriation also reflected adherence to international humanitarian law and principles, including the 1949 Geneva Conventions.

The prisoners had been detained after a series of territorial clashes in July, during which Cambodia said approximately 20 soldiers were captured. Two of those soldiers were repatriated in early August for medical reasons. The remaining 18 remained in Thai custody until this week’s release. According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, this final group was held for more than five months before their return.

The repatriation came after both nations agreed on a renewed border ceasefire on 27 December 2025, intended to end intense fighting that erupted earlier in December following the collapse of a previous truce brokered in October. According to AP News, the renewed ceasefire halted more than 20 days of clashes that inflicted heavy casualties on both sides and displaced civilians from frontier communities.

Thai authorities previously delayed the handover, citing alleged violations of the ceasefire agreement by Cambodia, including reported drone activity along the border, a claim Cambodian officials denied. According to Reuters, such disputes briefly stalled the release until both sides reaffirmed commitment to the ceasefire conditions.

Cambodian officials welcomed the return of the soldiers as a positive step toward easing tensions and normalising relations with Thailand. Cambodian Defence Ministry representatives noted that the release could contribute to stability in the region and reinforce diplomatic efforts to prevent future clashes along the long and historically contested frontier. According to AP News, Phnom Penh viewed the repatriation as a gesture of goodwill and a confidence-building measure that could underpin broader peace initiatives. 

While the release marks a key milestone, both governments have acknowledged that implementing the ceasefire and addressing underlying causes of the conflict will require ongoing negotiations and cooperation. Regional partners and international observers have encouraged continued dialogue to prevent renewed hostilities and support long-term peace and development along the border.