Thailand repatriates 18 Cambodian soldiers following border truce

Thailand has repatriated 18 Cambodian soldiers detained during recent border tensions, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on December 31. 

The move follows a ceasefire that was maintained for 72 hours, in line with a joint statement signed between the two countries on December 27 during the 3rd Special General Border Committee Meeting.

The ministry confirmed that the soldiers were treated in accordance with international humanitarian law, including the 1949 Geneva Conventions, and were regularly visited by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which also facilitated communication with their families.

Before their return, the soldiers underwent medical examinations and were fully informed of their rights to ensure a voluntary, safe, and dignified repatriation. Both the ICRC and the ASEAN Observer Team were present to observe the process.

The ministry described the repatriation as a gesture of goodwill and confidence-building, expressing hope that Cambodia will respond with measures to strengthen sustained peace and cooperation between the two nations.

Thailand and Cambodia were embroiled in intense border fighting in December 2025 after long‑running disputes over poorly demarcated frontier territory flared into open conflict. A new ceasefire signed on 27 December 2025 brought 20 days of hostilities to a halt, following some of the worst clashes in years along their shared boundary. 

The clashes, which included fighter‑jet sorties, artillery exchanges and rocket fire, killed at least 101 people and forced more than half a million civilians to flee their homes on both sides of the border.

Both governments have accused each other of initiating attacks and breaching ceasefires. Under the latest agreement, the two sides agreed to halt hostilities after maintaining a 72‑hour ceasefire, a condition linked to confidence‑building steps.

The conflict reflects longstanding territorial disputes rooted in colonial‑era boundary lines and has drawn concern from regional actors and international observers.

By Aghakazim Guliyev