Thousands of Cambodians warmly welcome 18 soldiers released by Thailand
Thousands welcomed 18 Cambodian soldiers returning through Prum checkpoint in Pailin on December 31, with AOT and ICRC observing their return.
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The report recalled a 155-day wait for the 18 Cambodian soldiers it hailed as heroes, who had been captured by the Thai military and held in what it described as unlawful detention. At 10 a.m. on December 31, 2025, Thailand released and safely returned all 18 to their homeland through Prum International Border Checkpoint in Pailin province, bringing happiness, emotion and relief from anxiety to Cambodians across the country.
Thousands of Cambodians went to warmly welcome the 18 soldiers on their return journey. Some cheered in celebration, while others pressed their palms together and knelt to show respect for the soldiers’ heroism.
Thailand released the 18 Cambodian soldiers on the morning of December 31 following the agreement reached in the joint statement of the third special Cambodia–Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) meeting, signed on December 27. The ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) also took part in observing the soldiers’ return.
The Cambodian government and people throughout the country expressed their deepest gratitude to all parties whose continuing coordination efforts led to the release of the 18 Cambodian soldiers that day.
By: Nget Pisant
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