Thailand frees 18 Cambodian soldiers under new ceasefire deal

Thailand released 18 Cambodian soldiers on Wednesday, December 31, under a renewed ceasefire agreed upon by the two countries over the weekend, authorities from both nations said. The move eased tensions after weeks of deadly border clashes.

Footage showed the Cambodian soldiers, who had been detained by the Thai army, being released at the Phsar Prum border, which connects Pailin Province, Cambodia, and Chanthaburi Province, Thailand.

Reuters confirmed the location of the video based on the bridge, street lamps, and building structures, which match both file and satellite images. The date of the release was also verified through witness footage and official statements.

The Southeast Asian neighbors agreed to a ceasefire that took effect at noon (0500 GMT) on Saturday, December 27, halting 20 days of fighting that left at least 101 people dead and displaced more than half a million on both sides. The clashes included fighter-jet sorties, rocket fire exchanges, and artillery barrages.

The soldiers were originally scheduled to be returned on Tuesday, December 30, but Thailand delayed the handover over alleged breaches of the ceasefire deal, which Cambodia denied.

Cambodian authorities said the soldiers were handed over at a border checkpoint at 10 a.m. (0300 GMT) on Wednesday after 155 days in Thai custody. Thailand’s Foreign Ministry stated that the soldiers had been treated “in accordance with international humanitarian law and principles” during their detention.

-Production: Nur-Azna Sanusi, Tiffany Le/Reuters