Crowds greet returning Cambodian soldiers after release from Thai captivity

Eighteen Cambodian soldiers returned home under a renewed ceasefire with Thailand, welcomed by cheering crowds as tensions ease after weeks of deadly border clashes.

Reuters

31 December 2025 at 09:01:33

Crowds greet returning Cambodian soldiers after release from Thai captivity

Cambodian soldiers repatriated from Thailand after being captured in July, wave at the crowd from a bus following their release under the terms of a ceasefire agreement signed on December 27, 2025, in Pailin Province, Cambodia, December 31,

Reuters

Cheering crowds greeted 18 Cambodian soldiers as they returned home on Wednesday (December 31) after being released by Thailand under a renewed ceasefire, easing tensions following weeks of deadly border clashes.

Footage from Cambodia’s Ministry of Information showed the troops arriving in Pailin province to an enthusiastic reception.

Reuters was able to confirm the location as buildings, business signages and flags match file images, corroborating with Reuters coverage. Reuters was able to confirm the date with Reuters witness footage from scene and statements by authorities.

The Southeast Asian neighbours agreed to halt fighting at noon on Saturday (0500 GMT), ending about 20 days of clashes that killed at least 101 people and displaced more than half a million civilians on both sides. The fighting included fighter jet sorties, exchanges of rocket fire and artillery barrages.

Production: Tiffany Le, Gabriel Goh/Reuters