AKP Phnom Penh, December 31, 2025 --

The 18 Cambodian soldiers, unlawfully captured by the Thai military for 155 days, were released and repatriated to Cambodia this morning.

The soldiers were warmly welcomed upon their arrival at the Prum International Border Crossing in Pailin province by the Provincial Governor, H.E. Mrs. Ban Sereymom.

Their return follows the agreements stipulated in the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) Meeting held on Dec. 27, 2025. Under the agreement, after the full implementation of the ceasefire for 72 hours, the 18 Cambodian soldiers were to be released and returned to Cambodia in accordance with the spirit of the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration signed on Oct. 26, 2025.

It is recalled that only a few hours after the ceasefire took effect at midnight on July 28, 2025, 20 Cambodian soldiers were captured by the Thai military. Two of them were released and returned to Cambodia on Aug. 1, 2025.

Throughout the ordeal, the Royal Government of Cambodia, the Ministry of National Defence, and the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces never abandoned their personnel under any circumstances. They made relentless efforts, utilising all available mechanisms, to secure the prompt and safe release and repatriation of the remaining 18 soldiers.

By C. Nika