Thailand to release Cambodian POWs contingent on border peace agreement

BANGKOK, Oct 29 — Thailand has agreed to repatriate 18 Cambodian prisoners of war if Cambodia shows genuine progress in easing border tensions under a new peace accord.

Royal Thai Army spokesperson Maj Gen Winthai Suwaree said the release would depend on Cambodia’s compliance with four measures — withdrawal of heavy weapons, mine clearance, curbing cross-border crime, and proper border management.

The move follows the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord between Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his Cambodian counterpart Hun Manet, witnessed by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and US President Donald Trump during the Asean Summit.

Both sides have begun implementing de-escalation efforts, including the withdrawal of tanks and joint planning for mine clearance and troop adjustments. Winthai said Thailand will continue monitoring progress through existing bilateral mechanisms. — Bernama