Thailand freed 18 Cambodian soldiers on Wednesday under a renewed ceasefire agreement. The release followed talks aimed at easing weeks of deadly border tensions. Authorities from both countries confirmed the development.
The ceasefire took effect at noon on Saturday, ending nearly 20 days of fighting. The clashes killed at least 101 people on both sides. Moreover, more than half a million civilians were displaced during the violence.
The fighting involved fighter jet missions, rocket exchanges, and heavy artillery fire. Tensions had sharply escalated along the disputed border areas. As a result, regional and global actors pushed for renewed dialogue.
Cambodia said the soldiers were transferred at a border checkpoint on Wednesday morning. They had spent 155 days in Thai custody. Meanwhile, Cambodian officials called the returning troops heroic and symbolic.
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Thailand said the detainees were treated under international humanitarian law. The release followed a 72-hour ceasefire condition set in the agreement. Overall, the handover marked a key step toward restoring stability.