Thailand to Release 18 Cambodian Soldiers as Border Tensions Ease
Thailand to Release 18 Cambodian Soldiers as Border Tensions Ease
Thailand has confirmed that the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers, who were detained during recent border clashes, will proceed in line with established legal and diplomatic protocols. The move marks a significant step in efforts to ease tensions along the shared Thai-Cambodian border and follows a recent bilateral agreement between the two countries to pursue disarmament and de-escalation.
According to Anutin Charnvirakul, Thailand’s Prime Minister and Interior Minister, the release will be carried out under international law, with each soldier’s case assessed individually in cooperation with Phnom Penh. Anutin dismissed reports that the detained soldiers had requested political asylum, stating that such claims were not part of the bilateral declaration signed by the governments.
“If the 18 officers are deemed to be of no further use to Thailand, they will be repatriated,” Anutin said, adding that the process will be carried out with full transparency and adherence to international regulations.
A Three-Stage Framework for Peace
Further details on the release were provided by Lieutenant General Adul Boonthamcharoen, Thailand’s Deputy Defence Minister. He explained that the soldiers’ release was part of a broader, three-stage disarmament framework, agreed upon by both countries, which aims to reduce tensions and ensure long-term peace in the region. As part of the agreement, both nations are required to begin withdrawing high-impact weapons within the first 21 days, including BM-21 rocket launchers and 155mm artillery.
This process is being jointly monitored by the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT), which ensures the neutrality and transparency of the operations. Lt. Gen. Boonthamcharoen emphasized that the release of the soldiers and the ongoing peace process would be contingent on Cambodia’s full compliance with the weapon withdrawal and landmine clearance efforts along the border.
In his statement, Lt. Gen. Adul expressed cautious optimism about the progress made under the agreement. “The steps we are taking now are crucial in the pursuit of lasting peace. Both countries are committed to ensuring that our borders are secure and safe for the people who live along them,” he said.
A Positive Start Toward Long-Term Peace
The move to release the detained Cambodian soldiers comes after the signing of a bilateral declaration last week, which both Thailand and Cambodia hailed as a “positive start” to improving relations. According to Prime Minister Anutin, military leaders on both sides remain in constant communication to monitor the progress of the withdrawal and de-escalation process, as well as to coordinate ongoing mine-removal efforts in the region.
“This is a moment of mutual understanding,” Anutin remarked, noting that both countries were working in tandem to bring lasting peace to a region that has long been a flashpoint of tension. The prime minister also acknowledged that the eyes of the world were on the situation, underscoring the importance of the joint commitment to resolving border issues peacefully.
Addressing the Ta Krabei Temple Dispute
Among the longstanding disputes between Thailand and Cambodia is the issue of the Ta Krabei Temple area, a site near the border that has been the subject of conflicting territorial claims. However, Anutin reaffirmed that both nations would continue to address the issue through diplomatic channels, including the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), the Regional Border Committee (RBC), and the General Border Committee (GBC).
“We will continue to address these issues through peaceful, diplomatic means,” he said. “Confrontation is not an option.”
The prime minister also assured that Thailand’s sovereignty would not be compromised. “Thailand will never surrender its territory, sovereignty, honour, or dignity,” Anutin emphasized, reiterating his government’s commitment to protecting the safety and security of its citizens.
Domestic and International Reactions
Amidst these developments, Prime Minister Anutin addressed domestic concerns regarding the Thai military’s reliance on privately donated equipment. Critics had suggested that the military was struggling with inadequate resources, but Anutin rejected these claims, stating that the Defence Ministry’s budget was substantial and that donations were a sign of national unity and patriotism, not a reflection of any shortcomings in funding.
He also responded to speculation about the reopening of border checkpoints with Cambodia, which have been closed as part of the heightened security measures. Anutin clarified that no discussions had taken place regarding the reopening of checkpoints and emphasized that, should he remain in power, no checkpoint would reopen without the approval of the public.
“If I remain in government, no border checkpoint will reopen without public consent,” he assured, adding that national security would always remain a priority.
Acknowledging the Role of Local Authorities
In light of the ongoing peace process, Anutin expressed his gratitude to security agencies, local authorities, and residents in Sa Kaeo Province, who have worked tirelessly to maintain peace during this sensitive time. He also addressed a previous controversy where his remarks were misinterpreted as an admission of territorial encroachment by Thailand, offering a public apology for the misunderstanding.
“I take full responsibility for the miscommunication,” he said. “I will do everything in my power to avoid such misunderstandings in the future.”
Conclusion: A Path Toward Stability
As both Thailand and Cambodia take steps to ease tensions and move toward a more peaceful future, the release of the 18 detained Cambodian soldiers marks a critical turning point in the region’s relationship. The continued commitment to disarmament, landmine clearance, and diplomatic dialogue is crucial for ensuring that peace remains a sustainable and enduring reality for both nations.
The bilateral agreement, coupled with ongoing cooperation between military leaders, provides hope that long-standing disputes can be resolved without resorting to violence or confrontation. Both sides appear to be heading toward a more stable and secure future, with the safety of their citizens and the prosperity of the region at the forefront of their efforts.
