After a peace agreement was signed in Kuala Lumpur on 26 October, Donald Trump and senior US officials had expected the immediate release of eighteen Cambodian soldiers captured by Thailand. However, Thailand’s prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul has imposed conditions on their release, primarily the withdrawal of heavy weapons from the border. At a bilateral meeting on 28 October, Cambodian prime minister Hun Manet reiterated Cambodia's commitment to the agreement and appealed for the soldiers' release, but Anutin stated that this would start only after significant and speedy progress on the withdrawal of the weapons, a condition agreed upon by both parties. The first phase of the withdrawal has already taken place, with Cambodia moving a number of battle tanks back to their base. The situation underscores the complex diplomatic negotiations involved.