Broken Deadline: 72 Hours Pass, 18 Cambodian Soldiers Still Not Released

The clock struck 12:00 PM today, December 30, 2025, marking the official end of the 72-hour observation period mandated by the General Border Committee (GBC). But as the sun sets over the Prom-Pak Kard border, the 18 Cambodian soldiers who were promised their freedom are nowhere to be seen.

1. The Silence at the Border

Expectations were high after Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn announced yesterday that the soldiers were "expected to be released" at noon today. However, reports from the frontline in Pailin province paint a different picture.

Governor Ban Sreymom confirmed this afternoon that the provincial administration has received zero information regarding the handover. The Prum–Ban Pak Kard Permanent Border Checkpoint remains quiet, with no sign of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) coordination that was promised.

2. Why the Delay?

While the ceasefire has largely held—with schools even reopening today in parts of Battambang—the Thai military has raised "new concerns" that may be stalling the release:

Logistical resupply: The Thai Second Army Area reported detecting Cambodian truck movements (roughly 30 trucks) near the border, which they view as a potential breach of the "freeze troop positions" rule.
Drone Activity: Claims of unauthorized UAVs (drones) flying over Phu Ma Khuea have been used by Thai officials to question the "sincerity" of the ceasefire.
Verification Issues: Thailand stated they would only release the soldiers once hostilities were "clearly observed based on actual behavior." It seems their definition of "stabilized" differs from ours.

3. The Human Toll of the "Wait"

For the families of these 18 men—husbands, fathers, and sons who have been in custody since July 29—today was supposed to be the end of a nightmare. Instead, it is another day of the "Human OS" being pushed to its limit.

"We are ready to welcome them home, but we ask the public to remain calm," Governor Ban Sreymom urged. "Do not gather at the border checkpoints, as this could cause disorder that the other side might use as an excuse."

4. A Fragile Peace

Prime Minister Hun Manet reminded the nation yesterday that this ceasefire is not a surrender. Cambodia has fulfilled its part of the deal by silencing the guns and allowing civilians to return. The failure to release the soldiers on time puts the entire Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord at risk.

If the 72-hour mark was the "test of trust," the results as of this evening are deeply concerning.

We are continuing to monitor the situation. Until the Ministry of National Defense provides an official update, we urge all returning refugees to stay vigilant. The silence of the guns does not always mean the end of the conflict.

Reported from Battambang, December 30, 2025.