Thailand on Wednesday released 18 Cambodian soldiers who had been held in custody since July, in a move officials described as a confidence-building step as a fragile ceasefire between the two neighbours continues to hold.
Thai authorities confirmed the soldiers were handed over to Cambodia after 155 days in detention, calling the decision a gesture of goodwill aimed at supporting the truce agreed over the weekend.
Cambodia&rsquo;s defence officials said the soldiers crossed back into Cambodian territory at around 10 am local time on Wednesday, marking the first major follow-through since the latest ceasefire came into effect at noon on Saturday.
The renewed truce was reached after weeks of escalating violence along the contested border, where fighting earlier this month followed the collapse of a previous ceasefire agreement. That earlier truce had temporarily halted clashes in July but failed to prevent renewed hostilities.
The recent fighting claimed at least 101 lives and forced more than half a million people on both sides of the border to flee their homes. The clashes involved heavy artillery exchanges, rocket fire and fighter jet operations, raising regional concern over the scale and intensity of the conflict.
The handover of the soldiers had initially been planned for Tuesday but was delayed by Thai authorities, who cited alleged ceasefire violations. Cambodian officials rejected those claims, maintaining that they had adhered to the terms of the agreement.
With the release now completed, both governments have signalled cautious optimism that the ceasefire will endure, though the situation along the border remains closely watched.

Thailand frees 18 Cambodian soldiers as truce hold

Release follows renewed ceasefire after months of deadly clashes along the disputed border

Thailand frees 18 Cambodian soldiers as truce hold

Release follows renewed ceasefire after months of deadly clashes along the disputed border

December 31, 2025 | 11:46 IST