Phnom penh: The Australian Embassy in Cambodia has expressed its approval of the release of 18 detained Cambodian soldiers, highlighting the event as a constructive measure that will foster trust and confidence between Cambodia and Thailand.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the soldiers were released and safely returned to Cambodia at 10:00 a.m. on December 31 via the Prum International Border Crossing in Pailin province. This process was closely monitored by the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

The release of the soldiers aligns with the agreements made during the 3rd Special Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) Meeting held on December 27, 2025. The meeting stipulated that following a 72-hour ceasefire, the soldiers would be released in line with the spirit of the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration signed on October 26, 2025.

It is noted that initially, 20 Cambodian soldiers were captured by the Thai military shortly after the ceasefire began at midnight on July 28, 2025. Two soldiers were subsequently released and returned to Cambodia on August 1, 2025.