(Phnom Penh): As the world celebrated the historic ceasefire declaration signed between Cambodia and Thailand in Kuala Lumpur on October 26, 2025—witnessed by U.S. President Donald Trump and ASEAN Chairman Anwar Ibrahim—a critical issue remains unresolved: the fate of the 18 Cambodian soldiers still detained by Thai forces. Despite the promises made in the Kuala Lumpur Joint Statement, more than 48 hours have passed since the agreement was signed, and the soldiers remain in Thai custody, with no explanation offered to their families or the Cambodian public.

On October 28, 2025, a senior official from the U.S. State Department told Reuters:

“The United States expects Thailand to work with Cambodia to begin the immediate release of the 18 soldiers.”

*Time Passes, Promises Unfulfilled: Why Are 18 Cambodian Soldiers Still Detained?

The U.S. official’s comment echoes the public statement made by President Donald Trump, who personally witnessed the signing ceremony and explicitly affirmed that the 18 Cambodian soldiers—whom he referred to as prisoners of war—would be released under the October 26 peace agreement:

«Both countries are agreeing to cease all hostilities and work to build good neighborly relationships which they’ve already started. 18 Cambodian prisoners of war will be released under this agreement. Observers from Asean countries including Malaysia will be deployed to make sure that the peace prevails and endures. I have no doubt that it will.»

However, 48 hours have passed and the 18 Cambodian soldiers have not been released. This failure to release raises the question of why Thailand continues to detain Cambodian soldiers after the Kuala Lumpur Agreement of October 26? What justifies the continued detention of these soldiers after such a high-profile peace deal?

And what is being concealed behind the curtains of Thai domestic politics?

* A promise is a national honor that Thailand cannot ignore

In the joint statement issued by the Prime Ministers of Cambodia and Thailand following their meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Point 5 states:
“Furthermore, in order to demonstrate Thailand’s desire to enhance mutual trust and confidence, Thailand will release the prisoners without delay.”

This commitment clearly positions the release of the 18 Cambodian soldiers as a non-negotiable, immediate obligation.

Any further delay by Thailand not only violates the joint statement but also signals a lack of respect for the peace accord that Thailand publicly endorsed in the presence of ASEAN and U.S. witnesses.
Let us not forget the words of Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul at the signing ceremony, standing beside Donald Trump and Anwar Ibrahim:

“Following the signing of this joint declaration today, both sides will begin implementing all the agreed points—particularly the prompt removal of heavy weapons from the border areas to ensure civilian safety and rebuild confidence and trust.

Thailand will also begin the process of releasing the 18 detained Cambodian soldiers.”

This public commitment, made in front of the world, cannot be treated as a symbolic gesture. It is a test of Thailand’s honor and credibility on the international stage.
The Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement is not merely a bilateral understanding—it is a multilateral accord witnessed by global actors, including the United States and ASEAN’s 2025 Chair.

*Conclusion: Promises Must Be Fulfilled—Peace Must Be Upheld

A peace agreement is not just ink on paper. It is a solemn commitment, backed by moral and legal obligations. For peace to hold true value, it must be implemented with consistency, honesty, and accountability.
Thailand’s failure to release the 18 Cambodian soldiers constitutes a clear breach of its own commitment. This is not merely a bureaucratic delay—it reflects a dangerous indifference to the international trust placed in Thailand as a responsible member of ASEAN.

The U.S. government has made its position clear: Thailand must begin the release process immediately. This is no longer a diplomatic option—it is a duty.

Failure to comply not only undermines ASEAN’s faith in Thailand’s leadership but also jeopardizes Thailand’s long-term relations with key global partners, including the United States. The clock is ticking. The time for promises has passed. The time for real action is now.

Thailand must choose: Honor its commitments—or risk losing its honor.