Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

on the Repatriation of the 18 Cambodian Soldiers to Cambodia

1. Today (31 December 2025) at 10.00 hrs., Thailand repatriated the 18 detained Cambodian soldiers to Cambodia, in line with paragraph 11 of the Joint Statement between Thailand and Cambodia signed at the 3rd Special General Border Committee Meeting on 27 December 2025, which states that the 18 Cambodian soldiers will be returned to Cambodia after the ceasefire has been fully maintained for 72 hours. The release is also in the spirit of the Joint Declaration between Thailand and Cambodia signed on 26 October 2025 in Kuala Lumpur.

2. Since their detention, the Thai authorities have treated these 18 Cambodian soldiers in accordance with international humanitarian law and principles, including the 1949 Geneva Conventions as well as the rules and established humanitarian practices of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). In addition, the ICRC was allowed to visit these soldiers on a regular basis and facilitated the sending and receiving of correspondence with their families.

3. The repatriation was carried out in accordance with the Third Geneva Convention related to the Treatment of Prisoners of War. Prior to the repatriation, the 18 Cambodian soldiers have received medical examination and have been duly informed of their rights to ensure voluntary, safe and dignified return. The ICRC has also informed the families of these soldiers about their return. The ICRC and the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) were present to observe the repatriation.

4. The repatriation of the 18 Cambodian soldiers was undertaken as a demonstration of goodwill and confidence-building, as well as in adherence to international humanitarian principles. Thailand hopes that Cambodia will reciprocate this goodwill through its concrete actions to promote sustained peace between the two countries.