Phnom penh: Cambodia is set to welcome back 18 soldiers currently detained by the Thai military tomorrow, according to Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Prak Sokhonn, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Speaking in a special interview with the National Television of Cambodia (TVK), H.E. Prak Sokhonn shared details of the soldiers' expected return following a trilateral meeting with Chinese and Thai foreign affairs ministers in China's Yunnan Province.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, H.E. Prak Sokhonn stated that if there are no unexpected developments, the soldiers are expected to return to Cambodia at noon on Dec. 30, 2025. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that all necessary preparations have been made to ensure a smooth repatriation. "We hope that no problems will arise. By noon tomorrow, Dec. 30, 2025, we expect to welcome back our 18 soldiers so they can safely return home and reunite with their families," he said.
The Cambodian diplomat highlighted that this optimistic development is the result of two days of diplomatic discussions. He also noted that the Thai authorities have informed the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which will play a crucial role in coordinating the release and repatriation process.
As of today, it has been 153 days since the 18 Cambodian soldiers were unlawfully detained by the Thai military, marking a significant period of tension between the neighboring countries. The anticipated return of the soldiers is seen as a positive step towards resolving this prolonged issue.