United States Applauds Thailand’s Repatriation of Eighteen Cambodian Soldiers Amid Ceasefire Progress
Washington hails the release of detained Cambodian troops as a constructive step in consolidating a fragile ceasefire after intense border clashes
The United States has welcomed Thailand’s release and repatriation of eighteen Cambodian soldiers whom Bangkok had held since July, framing the move as a positive development in efforts to consolidate a ceasefire that has halted weeks of deadly border fighting between the neighbouring countries.
In a statement, the U.S. State Department commended Thailand’s decision and the “resolute efforts” by both governments to uphold the ceasefire agreement brokered on December 27, which called for the handover of the soldiers after the cessation of hostilities was sustained for seventy-two hours.
The release took place on Wednesday at the Prum International Border Crossing between Cambodia’s Pailin Province and Thailand’s Chanthaburi Province, where the servicemen were formally returned to Cambodian authorities.
The border clashes earlier this month had seen some of the fiercest fighting in years between Cambodia and Thailand, involving artillery exchanges, airstrikes and rocket fire, and resulting in significant casualties on both sides along with the displacement of hundreds of thousands of civilians.
The renewed truce followed the collapse of an earlier ceasefire agreement that had been facilitated with support from the United States and Malaysia.
A senior U.S. official emphasised Washington’s readiness to support Phnom Penh and Bangkok as they move forward with critical measures outlined in their October joint declaration, which envisages steps toward lasting peace and normalised relations.
For Cambodia, the soldiers’ return was greeted with national celebration, with families and communities welcoming their arrival amid a wider sense of relief at the de-escalation of hostilities.
Thai officials noted that the detainees had been treated in accordance with international humanitarian standards during their detention.
The U.S. appraisal of the repatriation underscores Washington’s continued engagement in Southeast Asian stability and its support for diplomatic processes that resolve lingering disputes.
As both governments reaffirm commitments to maintain peace and implement agreed terms, the release is being portrayed as an important confidence-building measure that could pave the way for more durable coexistence along the shared border.
In a statement, the U.S. State Department commended Thailand’s decision and the “resolute efforts” by both governments to uphold the ceasefire agreement brokered on December 27, which called for the handover of the soldiers after the cessation of hostilities was sustained for seventy-two hours.
The release took place on Wednesday at the Prum International Border Crossing between Cambodia’s Pailin Province and Thailand’s Chanthaburi Province, where the servicemen were formally returned to Cambodian authorities.
The border clashes earlier this month had seen some of the fiercest fighting in years between Cambodia and Thailand, involving artillery exchanges, airstrikes and rocket fire, and resulting in significant casualties on both sides along with the displacement of hundreds of thousands of civilians.
The renewed truce followed the collapse of an earlier ceasefire agreement that had been facilitated with support from the United States and Malaysia.
A senior U.S. official emphasised Washington’s readiness to support Phnom Penh and Bangkok as they move forward with critical measures outlined in their October joint declaration, which envisages steps toward lasting peace and normalised relations.
For Cambodia, the soldiers’ return was greeted with national celebration, with families and communities welcoming their arrival amid a wider sense of relief at the de-escalation of hostilities.
Thai officials noted that the detainees had been treated in accordance with international humanitarian standards during their detention.
The U.S. appraisal of the repatriation underscores Washington’s continued engagement in Southeast Asian stability and its support for diplomatic processes that resolve lingering disputes.
As both governments reaffirm commitments to maintain peace and implement agreed terms, the release is being portrayed as an important confidence-building measure that could pave the way for more durable coexistence along the shared border.
