SAEDNEWS: Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) issued a statement on Wednesday, saying that Thailand has repatriated 18 detained Cambodian soldiers to Cambodia.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) stated that the repatriation aligns with paragraph 11 of the Joint Statement between Thailand and Cambodia, signed at the 3rd Special General Border Committee Meeting on Dec. 27, 2025. The statement specifies that the 18 Cambodian soldiers would be returned after the ceasefire has been fully maintained for 72 hours, Xinhua reported.
The release also reflects the spirit of the Joint Declaration between Thailand and Cambodia, signed on Oct. 26, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur.
On the same day, Cambodia’s Defense Ministry spokesperson, Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, confirmed the release of the 18 soldiers captured by Thailand 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 added. “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.”
