Eighteen Cambodian soldiers smiled and waved to the crowds from their car windows in Pailin province and the capital Phnom Penh on 31/12/2025, following their release by Thailand.

The soldiers later met Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and his wife. "Despite the delay, we never leave our brothers behind", Hun Manet wrote on social media, accompanying his post with photos of the group.

Thousands cheered and waved Cambodian national flags along the routes where the convoy carrying the soldiers and their relatives passed. "As a Cambodian, I am very happy to welcome our 18 heroic soldiers back home", said Im Sivorn, 53.

A Cambodian soldier reunites with relatives in Phnom Penh on 31/12/2025. Photo: AFP

Pak Dana, a resident of Chom Chao commune, west of Phnom Penh, said she "couldn't stop crying" upon hearing the news of the soldiers' return and extended her wishes for their good health.

"I am very happy, emotional, and grateful to the government for bringing our heroes home. I pray for peace for our country, for war to end so that future generations can live peacefully", said Kong Chimtha, a resident of Chom Chao commune.

The Cambodian Ministry of Defense had previously announced that the prisoner handover ceremony was conducted with the presence of ASEAN observers and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the release of the 18 Cambodian prisoners was a "testament to goodwill and confidence-building" between the two nations.

The soldiers had been detained in Thailand for 155 days. They were part of a group of 20 soldiers apprehended by the Thai military in Preah Vihear province during clashes in 7/2025. Thailand subsequently released two individuals due to health issues but continued to detain the remaining 18.

The border conflict between the two countries re-erupted on 7/12/2025 and lasted for about 20 days, resulting in at least 101 deaths and displacing over half a million people on both sides. Under the new ceasefire agreement signed on 27/12/2025, Thailand committed to releasing the group of prisoners if the agreement was maintained for 72 hours.

Cambodians gather in Phnom Penh to welcome 18 soldiers home on 31/12/2025. Photo: AFP

However, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on 30/12/2025 a delay in the prisoners' release to reconsider the handover timing. This was attributed to Cambodia deploying over 250 unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) that violated its neighbor's territory, an action Bangkok considered a breach of the ceasefire agreement. Phnom Penh denied the accusation.

Hong Hanh (AFP, Khmer Times)