Thailand repatriates 18 detained Cambodian soldiers

BANGKOK/PHNOM PENH - Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) issued a statement on Wednesday, saying that Thailand has repatriated 18 detained Cambodian soldiers to Cambodia.

In the statement, the MFA stated that the repatriation is in line with paragraph 11 of the Joint Statement between Thailand and Cambodia signed at the 3rd Special General Border Committee Meeting on Dec. 27, 2025, which states that the 18 Cambodian soldiers will be returned to Cambodia after the ceasefire has been fully maintained for 72 hours. The release is also in the spirit of the Joint Declaration between Thailand and Cambodia signed on Oct. 26, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur.

Meanwhile, Cambodia's Defense Ministry's Spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata confirmed on the same day the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers that Thailand had captured since late July.

"The return of our 18 soldiers is under the observation of the ASEAN Observer Team and the International Committee of the Red Cross," Socheata said.

"Cambodia remains hopeful that this release will significantly contribute to building mutual trust and confidence," she said. "We believe this creates an environment conducive to peace, stability, and the full normalization of relations for the benefit of both nations and their people in the near future."