AKP Phnom Penh, December 31, 2025 --

The 18 Cambodian soldiers who were released earlier today have finally reunited with their families after 155 days of separation.

They arrived this afternoon at Phnom Penh International Airport (Pochentong), where their families welcomed them with joy and relief following their release by the Thai side.

The soldiers were warmly received upon arrival by Samdech Kitti Sangahapundit Men Sam An, Member of the Supreme Privy Council to His Majesty the King; H.E. Hun Many, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Civil Service; and other senior officials.

Outside the airport and along the streets, large crowds of Cambodians – including Buddhist monks, students, and members of the public – cheerfully gathered to welcome their returning heroes.

The 18 Cambodian soldiers were released and safely returned to Cambodia at 10:00 a.m. on Dec. 31 via the Prum International Border Crossing in Pailin province, under the observation of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Their return follows the agreements stipulated in the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) Meeting held on Dec. 27, 2025. Under the agreement, after the full implementation of the ceasefire for 72 hours, the 18 Cambodian soldiers were to be released and returned to Cambodia in accordance with the spirit of the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration signed on Oct. 26, 2025.

It is recalled that only a few hours after the ceasefire took effect at midnight on July 28, 2025, 20 Cambodian soldiers were captured by the Thai military. Two of them were released and returned to Cambodia on Aug. 1, 2025.

Throughout the ordeal, the Royal Government of Cambodia, the Ministry of National Defence, and the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces never abandoned their personnel under any circumstances. They made relentless efforts, utilising all available mechanisms, to secure the prompt and safe release and repatriation of the remaining 18 soldiers.

By C. Nika