Cambodia hopes for the return of its 18 soldiers detained in Thailand: a diplomatic turning point expected

The Cambodian government is preparing to welcome back the 18 Cambodian soldiers detained for more than five months by the Thai army, confirmed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Prak Sokhonn.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Prak Sokhonn

In an exclusive interview with Cambodian National Television (TVK) on December 29, following a trilateral meeting in Yunnan (China) between the heads of diplomacy of Cambodia, Thailand, and China — respectively Prak Sokhonn, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, and Wang Yi — the senior official announced that all necessary arrangements have now been completed to allow their release and repatriation.

“We have made all the necessary preparations and hope that no incident will delay their return. If everything goes as planned, our 18 soldiers will return home tomorrow, December 30, 2025, to reunite with their families after a long ordeal,” said Mr. Prak Sokhonn.

According to the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the release of the military personnel, detained for 153 days by the Thai forces at the border between the two countries, constitutes a concrete outcome of joint diplomatic efforts supported by China, a key partner of both nations.

This regional mediation illustrates Beijing’s growing role in preventing border tensions in Southeast Asia — a point emphasized in several analyses by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) and the ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.

The Cambodian minister specified that the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) had been informed by the Thai side and would participate in coordinating the logistical and humanitarian transfer of the soldiers to Cambodian territory. Cambodia expressed its gratitude for this international cooperation and praised Bangkok’s constructive approach to resolving the matter.

This release comes after months of diplomatic tensions between Phnom Penh and Bangkok, marked by accusations of territorial violations.

According to a report by the Cambodia Institute for Peace and Cooperation (CIPC) published in November, the case has highlighted the need for stronger bilateral mechanisms to prevent similar incidents in the future.

For the families of the 18 soldiers, the wait is finally coming to an end. In Phnom Penh and in the border provinces, preparations for their reception have already begun, imbued with emotion and hope. If the release is confirmed, it could mark a symbolic step in strengthening relations between Thailand and Cambodia, in a region where diplomatic balances remain highly sensitive.