Thailand has released 18 Cambodian soldiers that were captured in July during deadly border clashes as part of a ceasefire the two countries agreed to on Saturday.
The handover was delayed by a day over Thai concerns over alleged violations of the ceasefire, but took place after sustained Chinese diplomatic pressure to ensure the deal holds.
Simmering tensions along Thailand-Cambodia border exploded early this month and went on for weeks, forcing nearly one million people from their homes.
Saturday's deal had seen both sides agree to freeze the front lines where they are now, ban reinforcements and allow civilians living in border areas to return as soon as possible.
The 18 Cambodian soldiers, dressed in civilian clothes, were greeted by well-wishers as they were escorted over a border checkpoint and handed to the Cambodian authorities.
Their captivity since July - during an earlier round of deadly clashes - has inflamed nationalist sentiment in Cambodia, their release being one of the main demands of the Cambodian government in ceasefire talks with Thailand.
On Wednesday, Thailand's foreign ministry stated that the release of the soldiers was a demonstration of goodwill and expressed hope that Cambodia would reciprocate through concrete actions.
Cambodia confirmed the return of its troops, with its defense ministry expressing optimism that this move would build mutual trust and confidence.
Though the soldiers were supposed to be handed over within 72 hours of the ceasefire agreement, the release was postponed following accusations that Cambodia violated the truce by flying unmanned aerial vehicles into Thailand.
Despite these tensions, the ceasefire appears to be holding. Disagreements over the border have historical roots, heightened this year after a group of Cambodian women sang patriotic songs near a disputed temple.
The conflict has previously resulted in a soldier's death and significant loss of life among both soldiers and civilians during clashes in July, which also displaced thousands.
Efforts for a truce were initially brokered in July and solidified in October with support from the United States. The fragile peace faced severe challenges this month as renewed hostilities erupted.
