Pictures courtesy of Daily News

Cambodian authorities have repatriated 162 Thai nationals who had been detained in Siem Reap, returning them to Thailand through the Ban Laem permanent border crossing in Pong Nam Ron district, Chanthaburi province, on 3 January. The transfer was carried out using six buses that arrived at the Cambodian side of the checkpoint under the supervision of Cambodian officials and military personnel. Thai authorities received the group amid heightened security and coordination at the border.

The group consisted of Thai citizens who had become stranded during a period of heightened tension and armed clashes along the Thai–Cambodian border. During the unrest, they were taken into custody by Cambodian authorities and relocated to Siem Reap to await further arrangements. Their return followed coordination and negotiations between the governments of Thailand and Cambodia to ensure an orderly and safe repatriation process.

Reports indicated that the handover process was tightly managed to maintain security and prevent disruption at the crossing. Cambodian forces oversaw the departure of the buses from their territory, while Thai officials prepared to receive the returnees at the Ban Laem checkpoint. The operation underscored ongoing cooperation between the two countries despite the recent border tensions.

On the Thai side, authorities deployed a wide range of personnel to manage the reception. The operation was led by Pol Gen Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, Deputy National Police Chief, alongside officers from Chanthaburi Provincial Police and Chanthaburi Immigration Police. Additional support was provided by Marine Rangers and forces from the Chanthaburi and Trat Border Defence Command.

Officials focused on security screening, immigration procedures, and maintaining public order as the group crossed back into Thailand. The presence of multiple agencies reflected concerns linked to the earlier conflict and the need to ensure the safety of both the returnees and border personnel. No incidents were reported during the transfer.

The repatriation is expected to ease pressure on families of those detained and reduce a lingering humanitarian concern stemming from the border situation. It also signals progress in bilateral coordination following the earlier unrest, although authorities have not indicated whether similar transfers may follow. The situation along the border continues to be closely monitored by both countries.

Daily News reported that Thai authorities are expected to process the returnees according to standard immigration and security procedures. Further diplomatic engagement may be required to address remaining issues linked to the border tensions and any other nationals still affected.

Key Takeaways

• Cambodia returned 162 Thai nationals from detention in Siem Reap to Thailand on 3 January via Ban Laem border crossing.

• The repatriation followed coordination between Thai and Cambodian authorities after earlier border tensions and clashes.

• Thai security forces deployed multiple agencies to manage the reception and ensure order at the checkpoint.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Dailynews 2026-01-04

 

 

I read this as a case of internment? They don't seem to be military personnel (POWs). I'd read that flights continued throughout, maybe they were stuck as buses were not running.