Bangkok: Thailand on Wednesday released 18 Cambodian soldiers it had detained since July, as officials confirmed the ceasefire between the two nations continues to hold.

According to Philippines News Agency, the release followed a ceasefire declaration by both countries on Saturday after nearly three weeks of border clashes that resulted in the loss of at least 99 lives, including civilians. The Thai Foreign Ministry stated that the repatriation of the soldiers was a gesture of goodwill and confidence-building, emphasizing Thailand's hope that Cambodia would reciprocate in promoting sustained peace.

Cambodian Defense Ministry spokeswoman Lt. Gen Maly Socheata expressed that the release fosters an environment conducive to peace, stability, and the normalization of relations for the benefit of both nations. The Cambodian official news agency, Agence Kampuchea Presse, confirmed the return of the soldiers who had been in custody for 155 days, noting they were warmly welcomed upon arrival at the Prum International Border Crossing in Pailin province.

Under the ceasefire agreement, the soldiers were to be returned to Cambodia if the ceasefire remained intact for the initial 72 hours. Meanwhile, Thai Navy spokesman Rear Adm. Parach Rattanachaipan reported that the navy captured a Thai-owned oil tanker in the Gulf of Thailand, suspecting it was attempting to smuggle fuel to Cambodia, as mentioned by Thai PBS.