PHNOM PENH: The 18 captured Cambodian soldiers were released Wednesday (Dec 31), after 155 days of detention by the Thai Second Army Region that began on July 29. The move marks a significant step towards de-escalation of the conflict, following the Joint Statement signed by both countries on December 27.
The released men came back through Pailin province at 10 this morning, through Prum International Point of Entry. The release came a day after the 72-hour ultimatum set in the December 27 joint statement made during the special General Border Committee (GBC) meeting between Defence Minister of Cambodia Tea Seiha and his Thai counterpart Natthaphon Narkphanit, and two days after a trilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of China, Cambodia and Thailand.
