BANGKOK – Thailand’s Foreign Ministry has delayed the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers captured earlier this year, pointing to alleged breaches of a shaky ceasefire after reports that several Cambodian drones entered Thai airspace.
The announcement on Tuesday adds fresh doubt to efforts to calm a tense border, after weeks of deadly fighting between the two neighbours.
Thailand and Cambodia signed the ceasefire on December 27, with both defence ministers agreeing it would start at once. It also set out that Thailand would hand over the 18 detained soldiers, held since July, if the border stayed calm for 72 hours.
That 72-hour window ended around midday Tuesday. Even so, Thai officials said security teams detected “multiple” unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) crossing into Thailand on Sunday night.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura said the drone reports led officials to review the timing of the handover. He told reporters in Bangkok that the date and time would depend on security checks, and said the release could still happen soon once reviews are finished.
Earlier, army spokesperson Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree said more than 250 drones had entered Thai airspace across several border provinces, including Buri Ram, Sisaket, Surin, and Ubon Ratchathani. He described the incident as a provocation, and said it could break a ceasefire term that bans military activity that crosses into the other side’s land or airspace.
The claims have raised tensions at a moment when talks had started to look more promising. On Monday, the two countries’ foreign ministers met in China to rebuild trust.
Cambodia Rejects the Claims and Announces a Drone Ban
Cambodia quickly dismissed Thailand’s allegations. Government spokesperson Pen Bona said officials were watching the situation, but gave no immediate response to the delayed release.
Defence ministry officials denied sending any drones. Late on Monday, Cambodia also announced a nationwide ban on drone flights, with a focus on the border area.
Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, speaking after the China-hosted meeting, played down the dispute. He called it a small issue linked to drones seen by both sides near the border line. He said it was discussed in the talks, and both sides agreed to look into it and fix it quickly.
Cambodia has said its troops have followed the ceasefire, while also accusing Thailand of earlier attacks during the renewed fighting.
A Long Border Dispute Flares Up Again
This latest standoff sits on top of a long-running border dispute along the 800-kilometre frontier. The arguments trace back to old boundary maps and competing claims around historic sites, including the Preah Vihear temple area.
Fighting flared again in July 2025, paused for a short time after outside mediation, then returned in December and spread into several provinces.
The 20 days of intense clashes reportedly left more than 100 people dead, including soldiers and civilians. It also forced more than half a million people on both sides to flee their homes. Landmines remain a major risk in the region, and explosions continued even after the truce. Thailand protested after a blast on Monday that injured one of its soldiers.
The 18 Cambodian soldiers were captured during the July fighting. Their release was meant to be an early trust step under the new deal. The agreement also calls for freezing troop levels, working together on demining, and helping displaced civilians return home.
China, which has close ties with Cambodia and strong links with Thailand, helped support the latest talks. It has pushed for step-by-step moves to restore normal contact and keep the region stable.
Peace Efforts Still Look Unsteady
With 2025 coming to an end, the delay highlights how fragile the ceasefire remains. Thai officials say troop positions have not changed, and security measures are still in place. They have also signalled they are open to defence contacts set out in the agreement.
Analysts warn that continued blame on both sides could slow progress if it is not dealt with quickly. Families of the detained soldiers, some held for six months, have shown growing worry about the hold-up. One relative told reporters earlier this week: “Until my husband arrives home, then I will believe them.”
No new release date has been given. Attention now rests on whether quiet talks can smooth over this latest dispute. Both countries say they want peace, but the drone row is a reminder that old tensions, and newer tools like UAVs, can still make it harder to settle one of Asia’s most disputed borders.
