Phnom penh: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the European Union (EU) have welcomed the release and repatriation of the 18 Cambodian soldiers detained by the Thai military for 155 days: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the European Union (EU) have welcomed the release and repatriation of the 18 Cambodian soldiers detained by the Thai military for 155 days.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse,'Today's release and repatriation of prisoners of war allows families to be reunited and marks an important step in translating the commitments outlined in the Joint Statement into action,' H.E. Ms. Mirjana Spoljaric, ICRC President, said in a statement AKP received this evening. She emphasized that respect for international humanitarian law, which includes the repatriation of prisoners of war at the end of active hostilities, is critical to helping build confidence between parties and supporting the path to lasting peace.

Meanwhile, EU Ambassador to Cambodia H.E. Igor Driesman stated that the release today of the 18 Cambodian soldiers constitutes a welcome development and represents a significant step in fostering mutual trust between Cambodia and Thailand. 'The European Union calls for the continued good-faith implementation of the commitments undertaken at the Special GBC meeting of 27 December,' he added.

The Turkish Embassy in Phnom Penh also welcomed the release of the 18 Cambodian soldiers, considering this a step towards a solid ceasefire that will contribute to peace and stability.

The 18 Cambodian soldiers were released and safely returned to Cambodia at 10:00 a.m. on Dec. 31 via the Prum International Border Crossing in Pailin province, under the observation of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Their return follows the agreements stipulated in the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) Meeting held on Dec. 27, 2025. Under the agreement, after the full implementation of the ceasefire for 72 hours, the 18 Cambodian soldiers were to be released and returned to Cambodia in accordance with the spirit of the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration signed on Oct. 26, 2025.

It is recalled that only a few hours after the ceasefire took effect at midnight on July 28, 2025, 20 Cambodian soldiers were captured by the Thai military. Two of them were released and returned to Cambodia on Aug. 1, 2025.