Thai-Cambodia truce holds but prisoner release delayed

A renewed ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia over border clashes exceeded the initial target of 72 hours set by the countries to secure a more lasting peace, but Bangkok said it was delaying the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers due to alleged violations of the agreement.

Southeast Asian neighbors agreed to a ceasefire to take effect Saturday, ending 20 days of fighting that included warplane strikes, rocket fire and artillery barrage that left at least 101 people dead and displaced more than half a million on both sides.

Border clashes flared up again in early December after the collapse of a ceasefire agreement brokered by US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar ‍Ibrahim in July to halt the previous round of fighting.

In accordance with the agreement signed by the defense ministers of both countries on Saturday, Thailand announced that 18 Cambodian soldiers will be released after a 72-hour ceasefire.

On Tuesday, Thai foreign ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura said the military had detected multiple drones from Cambodia on Sunday night, which was seen as a violation of the agreement and was therefore re-evaluating the timing of the soldiers’ handover.

“The evaluation of the release date and time depends on the security side,” he said at a media conference, adding that the handover “could happen soon.”

Cambodian authorities vehemently denied the accusation of using drones and issued an order late Monday banning drone use across the country.

When asked about the delay in the soldiers’ release, Cambodian government spokesman Pen Bona said: “There has been no reaction yet, it is being monitored.”

Thailand’s foreign ministry also sent an official protest to Cambodia on Monday after a Thai soldier lost a limb in a mine explosion in the border area.

Landmine incidents became the catalyst for renewed conflict.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held two days of talks with his Thai and Cambodian counterparts and agreed on Monday that the two countries would work to rebuild mutual trust and gradually consolidate the ceasefire.

Earlier on Tuesday, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said the ceasefire was fragile and both sides should ensure that it is maintained and bilateral relations are gradually repaired.

“The ceasefire has just been agreed, so there is fragility,” Sihasak told reporters.

“We must avoid provocations or things that would weaken the ceasefire,” he said.