Archive · 1 Jan 2026
Thailand Releases 18 Cambodian Soldiers Amid Ceasefire
Thailand and Cambodia have been fighting near their border for a long time.
They agreed to stop fighting and signed a ceasefire.
Thailand had captured 18 Cambodian soldiers a few months ago.
After the ceasefire, Thailand released these soldiers.
The soldiers were kept in Thailand for 155 days.
Both countries hope this will bring peace to the area.
Many people were hurt and had to leave their homes because of the fighting.
Leaders from the U.S. and Malaysia helped make the peace deal happen.
The handover was delayed by one day because Thailand accused Cambodia of breaking the ceasefire, but Cambodia said they didn't.
Thailand released 18 Cambodian soldiers on December 31, 2023, under a renewed ceasefire agreement.
The ceasefire ended 20 days of fighting that killed at least 101 people and displaced over 500,000 civilians.
The soldiers were handed over at the Phsar Prum border checkpoint after 155 days in Thai custody.
Thailand treated the soldiers in accordance with international humanitarian law during their detention.
The handover was delayed by one day due to allegations of ceasefire violations by Cambodia, which Cambodia denied.
- Who
- Thailand and Cambodia
- What
- Release of 18 Cambodian soldiers and a ceasefire agreement
- When
- December 31, 2023
- Where
- Border checkpoint between Thailand and Cambodia
- Why
- To end a border conflict and comply with the ceasefire agreement
- Number of Soldiers Released
- 18
- Duration of Detention
- 155 days
- Ceasefire Effective Date
- December 31, 2023
- Casualties in Conflict
- At least 101
- Displaced People
- More than 500,000
- Ceasefire Brokers
- U.S. President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim
- Ceasefire Agreement Date
- December 27, 2023
- Handover Location
- Phsar Prum border checkpoint
Sources
Thailand frees 18 Cambodian soldiers as ceasefire holds
Thailand frees 18 Cambodian soldiers under new ceasefire deal
Thailand releases 18 Cambodian soldiers after new ceasefire deal holds
Thailand repatriates 18 detained Cambodian soldiers