Immediately after the Thai military released 18 Cambodian soldiers and sent them back to their homeland on December 31, foreign diplomatic representatives in Phnom Penh welcomed their return, viewing the release as a positive development in implementing the Cambodia–Thailand ceasefire.
German Ambassador to Cambodia Stefan Messerer issued a statement welcoming the release of all 18 soldiers. He described it as a step towards a stronger ceasefire and a positive development that created an opportunity to rebuild trust between Cambodia and Thailand amid their border dispute. The ambassador reiterated the German government’s full commitment to supporting peaceful dialogue and long-term stability.
British Ambassador in Phnom Penh Dominic Williams also expressed his delight at joining Cambodia in welcoming its soldiers home, calling it a positive development. The United Kingdom continued to encourage Cambodia and Thailand to take further steps to reduce tensions between the peoples of the two countries and build lasting peace. Williams set out these views on his official Facebook page.
The Australian Embassy in Cambodia separately issued a statement describing the release of the Cambodian servicemen that day as a positive step that would help restore confidence and trust between Cambodia and Thailand. Australia urged both sides to continue honouring the commitments made at the special General Border Committee (GBC) meeting on December 27. The embassy added: “Peace and stability in our region is in all our interests.”
The report recalled a 155-day wait for the 18 Cambodian soldiers, whom it hailed as heroes and described as having been captured and unlawfully detained by the Thai military. At 10 a.m. on December 31, 2025, Thailand released and safely repatriated all 18 servicemen through Prum International Border Checkpoint in Pailin province. Cambodia’s head of government, leaders and civil servants at every level, and people across the country warmly welcomed their return. Cambodia hoped the release would contribute to restoring relations with Thailand and advancing towards peace.
By: Nget Pisant
