The soldiers were captured in July and released following diplomatic pressure and a ceasefire agreement.

Thailand released 18 Cambodian soldiers held since July as part of a new ceasefire deal after weeks of deadly border clashes. The release was delayed due to alleged ceasefire violations but followed diplomatic pressure, notably from China. This move aims to build mutual trust and allow displaced civilians to return home, stabilizing the tense border region. The ceasefire, brokered earlier and recently reaffirmed, is critical to reducing violence and displacement along the disputed border.