Thailand frees Cambodian soldiers under ceasefire deal

Thailand has released 18 Cambodian soldiers as part of a renewed ceasefire agreed by the two countries, officials from both countries said, easing tensions after weeks of deadly border clashes.

Neighbors in Southeast Asia decided to halt hostilities at noon on Saturday, ending nearly 20 days of fighting that had killed at least 101 people and displaced more than half a million civilians on both sides.

The fighting included fighter jet sorties, rocket launches and artillery barrage.

Cambodian defense ministry spokesman Maly Socheata said: “The soldiers were transferred to the border control point on Wednesday after being detained in Thailand for 155 days.

Sok Lou, governor of Cambodia’s Battambang province, described the returnees as “hero soldiers”.

Thailand’s foreign ministry said the detainees were treated “in accordance with international humanitarian law and principles” during their detention.

Border clashes flared up again this month after the collapse of a previous ceasefire agreement brokered by US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

As part of Saturday’s agreement to halt the fighting, Thailand agreed to release 18 detained soldiers if the ceasefire lasts 72 hours.

However, the handover was postponed for a day after Thailand made allegations of ceasefire violations by Cambodia, which Cambodia denied.

“Today’s release and repatriation of prisoners of war allows families to be reunited and marks an important step in translating the commitments set out in the Joint Statement into action,” said Mirjana Spoljaric, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, which oversaw the handover. he said.