In a significant step towards peace, Thailand has released 18 Cambodian soldiers who had been held in custody for 155 days, marking a crucial moment of diplomatic goodwill between the two nations. The prisoners of war were repatriated on Wednesday morning, coordinated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and symbolizing a commitment to resolving long-standing border tensions.

The soldiers' return comes after recent border clashes that tragically claimed over 100 lives and displaced more than half a million people on both sides of the frontier. The conflict had escalated with intense military exchanges, including fighter jet sorties and artillery barrages.

ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric praised the humanitarian gesture, emphasizing that the release allows families to reunite and represents an important translation of diplomatic commitments into concrete action. The organization had diligently visited the prisoners four times since their detention in July to ensure their treatment complied with international humanitarian standards.

The renewed ceasefire, which took effect last Saturday at noon, was critically supported by international diplomatic efforts, including previous mediation by U.S. President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Both Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to freeze troop movements and collaborate on demining their disputed 800-kilometre border region.

This border area, with its rich historical significance, includes three ancient 1,000-year-old temples from the Khmer Empire. The most renowned, Preah Vihear, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been central to international legal disputes, with the International Court of Justice ruling in Cambodia's favor in both 1962 and 2013.

The current diplomatic breakthrough offers hope for resolving a territorial disagreement that dates back to the early 1900s when France occupied Cambodia. Previous border tensions between the two nations, including conflicts between 2008 and 2011, have now potentially given way to a more collaborative approach.

By choosing dialogue and humanitarian principles over continued conflict, Thailand and Cambodia demonstrate that peaceful resolution is possible, even in long-standing and complex international disputes. The soldiers' return represents more than a simple prisoner exchange—it is a powerful symbol of reconciliation and shared regional stability.