Thailand Releases 18 Cambodian Soldiers Amid Ceasefire

Thailand Returns 18 Cambodian Soldiers After 155-Day Detention

Cambodia has received 18 soldiers who were detained by Thailand since July, according to official statements. The repatriation of the soldiers was confirmed by Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, stating that it was carried out “as a demonstration of goodwill and confidence-building”. Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence reported that the soldiers arrived in Cambodia at 10am local time (03:00 GMT) on Wednesday after being held for 155 days.

The repatriation comes three days after Thailand and Cambodia agreed to a renewed ceasefire, which was brokered by US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The previous round of conflict ended in July, resulting in the deaths of at least 101 people and displacing over half a million on both sides. The two countries had previously agreed to return the soldiers on Tuesday, but Thailand delayed the handover due to alleged breaches of the ceasefire deal.

The repatriation marks an important step towards rebuilding trust between the two Southeast Asian neighbours. The soldiers were detained since July, following a breakdown in the ceasefire deal that was meant to halt previous rounds of conflict.

Source: Al Jazeera