Thailand has released 18 Cambodian soldiers who were captured during deadly border clashes in July, following a ceasefire agreement reached between the two countries.
The handover marked a significant step in easing weeks of tension that escalated into widespread violence along the disputed border.
Thai officials said the release was delayed by a day due to concerns over alleged violations of the ceasefire agreement.
The transfer eventually went ahead after sustained diplomatic pressure from China aimed at ensuring the truce remained intact.
Fighting between Thailand and Cambodia intensified earlier this month after simmering tensions erupted into open conflict.
The clashes forced nearly one million civilians to flee their homes in border regions as security conditions deteriorated.
Under the ceasefire deal agreed on Saturday, both sides committed to freezing front lines and banning reinforcements.
The agreement also allowed displaced civilians living near the border to begin returning home as soon as possible.
The 18 Cambodian soldiers were escorted across a border checkpoint and formally handed over to Cambodian authorities.
The soldiers had been held since July, when an earlier round of fighting caused significant casualties on both sides.
Their continued detention had fuelled nationalist sentiment in Cambodia and intensified pressure on the government.
Thailand’s foreign ministry described the move as a gesture intended to ease tensions and restore dialogue.
The release is a demonstration of goodwill and we hope Cambodia will reciprocate through concrete actions.
The ministry said.
Cambodia confirmed the return of its troops and welcomed the development as a positive step.
We remain hopeful this will help build mutual trust and confidence.
Cambodia’s defence ministry said.
The ceasefire stipulated the soldiers should be released within 72 hours of the agreement.
Thailand delayed the handover after accusing Cambodia of violating the truce.
Bangkok claimed Phnom Penh flew more than 250 unmanned aerial vehicles into Thai territory.
Despite the accusations, the ceasefire has so far largely held on the ground.
The border dispute between the two countries dates back more than a century.
Tensions rose earlier this year after patriotic songs were sung at a disputed temple site.
A Cambodian soldier was killed during a clash in May, escalating hostilities.
Five days of fighting in July left dozens of soldiers and civilians dead and displaced thousands.