Phnom penh: The Embassies of Japan and Germany in Cambodia issued separate statements this afternoon, expressing their support for the release of 18 detained Cambodian soldiers by Thailand.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the Japanese Ambassador to Cambodia, H.E. Ueno Atsushi, emphasized the importance of maintaining the ceasefire and reducing tensions between Cambodia and Thailand. He extended his well-wishes for the New Year, hoping for continued peace.
German Ambassador H.E. Stefan Messerer also commented on the development, describing it as a step towards a more resilient ceasefire. He highlighted the opportunity this release presents for rebuilding trust and reaffirmed Germany's commitment to supporting peaceful dialogue and long-term stability in the region.
The soldiers were released and returned safely to Cambodia at 10:00 a.m. on Dec. 31, via the Prum International Border Crossing in Pailin province. Their return was overseen by the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
The release was part of the agreements from the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) Meeting, which took place on Dec. 27, 2025. As per the agreement, following a 72-hour ceasefire, the soldiers were to be released in line with the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration signed on Oct. 26, 2025.
The soldiers were initially captured by the Thai military shortly after the ceasefire began at midnight on July 28, 2025. Two of the soldiers had been released earlier, returning to Cambodia on Aug. 1, 2025.