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4:30 pm: Japanese, German, and British Ambassadors to Cambodia View Soldiers’ Release in A Positive Light
Japanese ambassador Atsushi Ueno welcomed the release of the Cambodian soldiers, expressing hope that the ceasefire will be maintained and tensions between Cambodia and Thailand will reduce further. “I wish everyone a Happy New Year,” he was quoted as saying in a post by the Japanese embassy at 3:10 pm.
German ambassador Stefan Messerer said the soldiers’ release was a progressive step toward a more resilient ceasefire. “This development marks a positive shift and creates an opportunity to rebuild trust. Germany remains fully committed to supporting peaceful dialogue and long-term stability,” the German embassy shared.
Dominic William, British ambassador to Cambodia, noted that it was a positive development. The UK continues to encourage Cambodia and Thailand to take further steps to de-escalate tension and build lasting peace, he said.
4:15 pm: Prime Minister Hun Manet received the 18 soldiers at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh after their release by the Thai side, according to government spokesperson Pen Bona.
3:40 pm: Government leaders and family members welcomed the 18 soldiers who arrived at the former Phnom Penh International Airport in Pochentong on Wednesday afternoon after their release by the Thai military in Pailin province. Over 200 people gathered at the place to celebrate their return.
The Thai military released the 18 captured Cambodian soldiers at 10 am on Wednesday after being held captive for 155 days to a warm welcome by family and friends at the Prum International Border Checkpoint in Pailin province.
The release follows Article 11 of the Joint Statement signed at the third Special Cambodia-Thailand GBC Meeting on December 27.
Former Prime Minister and Senate President Hun Sen, and Prime Minister Hun Manet welcomed the repatriation of the soldiers to the motherland.
They had been captured by Thailand at the Chong Te Border crossing in Cambodia when the Thai side “invited” them to snap a “commemorative photo together” to mark the ceasefire on July 28.
The Thai army said the soldiers, whom they considered “prisoners of war”, were detained on July 29 after the ceasefire came into effect at the time following fighting near the Sam Tae area in Si Sa Ket province, which borders Cambodia’s Preah Vihear province.
Rang Mao, one of the parents of the 18 soldiers, said that he has not received any information about the release as he was waiting at a different location, but expressed happiness to know that his son has returned home.
“I am happy but I haven’t seen him yet. There is no internet signal here [in Preah Vihear],” said Mao, who was on standby for his son’s arrival at the Preah Vihear border.
Another relative, Kean Sreynan, said she was aware of her husband’s release, but declined to speak further to the media.
Pailin Provincial Health Department Director Sles You declined to comment, while Pailin provincial information department deputy director Nhoeb Borey said he was busy and could not comment.
Government spokesperson Pen Bona referred questions to the Defense Ministry.
Television BTV Cambodia reported that the soldiers were given a health check at the Pailin provincial hall before they headed to Phnom Penh.
The Australian embassy in Cambodia viewed the release of the soldiers as a positive step that would help rebuild confidence and trust between Cambodia and Thailand.
“Peace and stability in our region is in all our interests,” read the post, urging both sides to continue to uphold the commitment made at the special GBC meeting.
The situation along the border remains calm amid the ceasefire agreement which has been in effect since 12 pm on December 27.
Military regions 4 and 5 covering Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, Siem Reap, Battambang, Pursat, and Banteay Meanchey provinces were peaceful as of 8:00 am on Wednesday, according to National Defense spokesperson Maly Socheata said at a press briefing.
“Our armed forces stand strong and are performing their duty with full vigilance in defending the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Socheata said.
She added that the army is adhering to the ceasefire deal agreed by both parties in the spirit of peaceful resolution.
Some 20,162 displaced persons have returned home as of December 30 with 574,383 people still in the shelters, according to the Interior Ministry. The number of displaced persons leaving for their homes is expected to increase as the ceasefire stays in place.
