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Cambodian and Thai militaries removed heavy and destructive weapons following the peace agreement, as Thailand began the process of releasing 18 captured soldiers.
Both parties agreed to start the first phase removal of the weapons as a symbolic demonstration with the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) in attendance, after the joint declaration between Cambodia and Thailand on Sunday in Malaysia, according to the National Defense Ministry. U.S President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, as the current ASEAN chair, stood as witnesses to the agreement.
“Cambodia will continue to work closely with Thailand for the benefit of both nations and their peoples for many generations to come,” read the statement on Sunday evening. AOT monitored the scene as armored vehicles returned to the military base in Siem Reap province on Monday.
The ministry said the move reflects both parties’ commitment to peace, stability, and a swift return to normalcy. Cambodia also reaffirmed its commitment to fully and effectively implement the terms in the agreement.
The accord further stipulated their commitment to peace, security, stability and prosperity, including the de-escalation of tensions, removal of destructive weapons and restoring confidence and mutual trust.
It also outlined the settlement of border dispute and border demarcation, and recognizing the Regional Border Committee, General Border Committee, and Joint Border Commission as bilateral mechanisms.
Banteay Meanchey deputy governor Ly Sovannarith said the situation along the provincial border has returned to calm since the peace declaration. Earlier, Thai military mobilized two bulldozers, and two demining machines where they erected a razor wire barricade at Chouk Chey village on Monday around 9 a.m.
“The [machines were used to] cut grass and demine the area where they built the barricade until 12 p.m.,” he said, adding that there was no further activity later in the afternoon as the machinery was removed.
Chhouy Thida, a daughter of one of the 18 soldiers detained, lauded the leaders over the outcome of the agreement which would lead to the release of her father.
“As a family member of a soldier captured by Siam [Thai force], I am thankful that leaders of both sides worked hard to ensure peace as a solution without war, and to bring back all 18 soldiers,” she said.
“My mother and I miss him as if we lost our heart and lives, and feel pain. But, we continue to be patient and wait with hope,” Thida said.
Another family member, Korn Saichai, received information of the release of her husband and is preparing to greet him after waiting for over 90 days of his capture.
“They [officials] notified us that it probably won’t be long before they are released. I am excited and happy, because without him, all the burden fell on me. I hope to see him very soon,” Saichai said.
Nearly six months of heightened tensions, following a skirmish on May 28 resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier. This led to military build-ups, and retaliatory measures, culminating in a five-day armed clash in July, before a ceasefire was reached.
