Thailand Blocks the Release of 18 Cambodian Soldiers Despite the Terms of the December 27 Agreement

As of this evening, Thailand has still not released the 18 Cambodian soldiers captured on July 29 during border clashes, despite the expiration of the 72-hour ceasefire stipulated in the bilateral agreement signed on December 27.

Speaking at a press conference on December 30, Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura stated: “The military detected numerous drones coming from Cambodia, which is considered a violation of the agreement, and has therefore reviewed the timeline. The date and time of the release depend on security considerations; it could take place soon.”Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow echoed the warning, describing the truce as “fragile”: “We should avoid provocations that could undermine the ceasefire and restore mutual trust.”

Signed at the border post by ministers Tea Seiha (Cambodia) and Nattaphon Narkphanit (Thailand), under intense Chinese mediation led by Wang Yi, the agreement imposed a military freeze, a ban on aerial violations, and a release after 72 hours, scheduled for noon on December 27. Phnom Penh, through Prak Sokhonn, had announced that preparations were complete for an exchange after noon on the 30th, following talks in Kunming.

Yet the alleged incidents have frozen the process, with Bangkok prioritizing security concerns.

Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has adopted a harder line, declaring, “The land is Thai,” amid heightened nationalism fueled by recent elections and the influence of the military. Bilateral NGOs are calling for a humanitarian release, citing the logistical burden of continued detention.

This stalemate threatens the 800-kilometer border with the risk of a devastating relapse for local economies.

The Thai Position: Drone Overflights and Suspicions of Exaggeration

Bangkok justifies its refusal by citing radar detections of “more than 250 drones” allegedly flying over its territory on the night of December 27—claims relayed by the army and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as irrefutable proof of a violation.

However, the logistical feasibility raises doubts: deploying such a large number of devices simultaneously by the Cambodian military—whose resources are limited and in the context of a truce—seems improbable without a massive and visible operation.

The figures could also be amplified by sensitive radar systems detecting civilian devices or false positives in a porous border area.Thailand may be leveraging these data to buy time, reinforce its security posture in the face of nationalist public opinion, and extract additional concessions on border demarcation—thus avoiding a release perceived as a political admission of weakness. Phnom Penh categorically denies the allegations, asserting a nationwide drone ban, fueling mutual accusations of disinformation in this tense diplomatic standoff.

The Cambodian Denial: Calm Maintained and Commitment Reaffirmed

Phnom Penh firmly rejects the Thai accusations, insisting it has scrupulously respected the terms of the agreement since December 27, with border calm maintained and no confirmed drone activity by its armed forces.

Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn has reaffirmed Cambodia’s full commitment to the truce, emphasizing a nationwide drone ban and troop withdrawals as stipulated, while calling for the immediate release of the 18 soldiers to consolidate lasting peace. This stance—supported by active military hotlines and no major incidents reported on the Cambodian side—aims to defuse tensions and refocus negotiations on humanitarian grounds, under Chinese mediation, despite Bangkok’s continued silence.