Cambodia welcomed home 18 soldiers released by Thailand on Saturday as part of a truce agreement that ended weeks of violent clashes along their contested border. The troops on the other hand had only been held as POWs for 5 months before returning to Phnom Penh. Upon return, they were met with a hero’s welcome, as hundreds of supporters lined the streets to honor their safe return.
The release comes as the two countries remain in a prolonged standoff with each other over a decades long territorial dispute. The conflict centers around the colonial-era demarcation of the 800-kilometre border, which both countries claim includes significant historical sites, including ancient temple ruins.
Truce Agreement and Release of Soldiers
In the immediate wake of renewed military clashes—occurring in almost every province along the border—Thailand and Cambodia agreed to a ceasefire. On a recent Saturday morning, the countries involved agreed to the truce. They pledged to adhere to a ceasefire, freeze troop movements, and work together on de-mining activities across the border. Crucially, though, the agreement contained terms of Thailand’s tacit agreement to “immediate release” of the kidnapped Cambodian soldiers.
The three-day observation period passed, but not a word was issued on the soldiers’ condition. In the end, the release was seen as a positive goodwill gesture. Thailand’s foreign ministry underscored that repatriating the soldiers “was an important step in fostering trust” between the two countries.
“As a Cambodian, I am very happy to welcome these 18 heroic soldiers back in the country.” – Im Sivorn
The 18 soldiers were captured during the most recent hostilities and had been a key point of leverage in the negotiations. Their return signifies not only an end to their captivity but represents a potential thaw in relations between the two countries.
Ongoing Tensions and Recent Violations
Even with the hopeful development of releasing the released Cambodian soldiers, regional tensions are still high. Thailand charged that Cambodia was in violation of a prior agreement. This accusation followed on the heels of Cambodia flying more than 250 drones over Thai territory Sunday night. This latest incident is a reminder of how tenuous the current peace really is. Both countries remain haunted by longstanding animosity stoked by their respective sovereignty-related claims.
Understanding the historical roots of this conflict is absolutely critical. The border that divides us is based on centuries-old colonial claims to territory and resources. This history complicates an already tense diplomatic history between Thailand and Cambodia. Both countries have historically been at loggerheads over access to lucrative archaeological sites in the news glued connective tissue their shared colonial era border.
In October, US President Donald Trump led the way in encouraging dialogue between the two countries. He presided over the signing of a new, widely touted declaration, which unveiled new trade agreements. This participation by third parties like the US further stresses the importance of international actors to provide stability in Southeast Asia.
Celebrations in Cambodia
Not just Phnom Penh, the return of the 18 soldiers led to jubilant celebrations throughout Cambodia. And in Phnom Penh, well-wishers formed an enthusiastic reception committee to welcome them. They were paraded through the city in a colorful and boisterous mash up of mini-buses. Homecoming tearful relatives embraced the newly returned soldiers, who waved national flags and celebrated their return with joyous exuberance.
Cambodia’s government subsequently declared that the release of the soldiers would create an important confidence between the two countries. This strategic step will deepen their connection and encourage greater cooperation. The atmosphere was charged with emotion as families reunited, and national pride surged among those who had anxiously awaited their loved ones’ return.
Cambodia is leading the way in ambitious diplomacy. In response, it has invited Thailand to a bilateral strategic dialogue in early January. This convening will center on increasing collaboration on cross-border concerns. We will be continuing the critical survey and demarcation work that will be necessary to reduce tensions moving forward.
