Thailand released 18 Cambodian soldiers on Wednesday (31), under the ceasefire agreement renewed last Saturday (27), authorities on both sides said, easing tensions after weeks of deadly border clashes.
Images show Cambodian soldiers being released at the Phsar Prum border crossing, which connects Cambodia’s Pailin province to Thailand’s Chanthaburi province.
Reuters confirmed the location of the video as the bridge, lampposts and building structures match archival and satellite images. Reuters also confirmed the date through images of witnesses at the scene and statements from authorities.
The Southeast Asian neighbors, local time (2am in Brasília), put an end to that left at least 101 dead and more than half a million displaced on both sides, and included air strikes, rocket exchanges and artillery bombardments.
The soldiers were supposed to be returned on Tuesday (30), but Thailand delayed the process due to alleged violations of the ceasefire agreement, which Cambodia denied.
Cambodia said the soldiers were handed over to a border checkpoint at 10 a.m. on Wednesday (12 a.m. in Brasília), after 155 days in Thai custody.
Thailand’s Foreign Ministry said the soldiers were treated “in accordance with international humanitarian law and principles” during their period of detention.
