The Cambodian Center for Regional Studies (CCRS) would like to express warmest welcome home to the 18 Cambodian soldiers after 155-day detainment in Thailand. The 18 soldiers can now return safely to their home to reunite with their families. We wish them excellent health and happiness in time for new year celebration.
The return was made possible by the active leadership by Cambodian leaders, particularly Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen and Samdech Moha Bovor Thipadei Hun Manet, who have been relentless in seeking their release much earlier. In addition, we would like to express our appreciation to all friends, particularly ASEAN, US and China, for their valuable roles in making this release possible.
We also would like to express our thanks to leaders in Thailand for their understanding and cooperation in this matter.
The return marks a positive development towards the effective implementation of the recent ceasefire agreement, and peace process under the Kuala Lumpur Accord.
Cambodia and Thailand can now look forward to the settlement of disputes through peaceful means and reopening of border checkpoints so as to allow both countries to return to normalcy, resuming the excellent bilateral relations existed pre-28 May 2025 conditions.