Michael Sullivan

It's been nearly six months since the Cambodian soldiers were captured, a period marked by heavy artillery exchanges, Cambodian rocket attacks on Thai border villages, and Thai fighters bombing Cambodian targets.

Several hundred thousand people on both sides were displaced by the fighting, and this prisoner release is the most hopeful sign yet that the conflict may be over for now.

The country has been wracked by a brutal civil war since the military deposed the democratically elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021.

Even the military admits the election cannot be held in rebel-controlled or contested areas roughly half the country.

The junta's goal is to install its proxy party in power and continue its role in politics indefinitely.

It's banned Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy from running,

after it savaged the military's proxy party in the 2020 election.

Suu Kyi herself remains in prison, and there are fears Sunday's polls may be disrupted by those opposed to the military's continued role in Myanmar's politics.

For NPR News, I'm Michael Sullivan in Chiang Rai, Thailand.

The ceasefire signed by the two countries' defense ministers says both countries have agreed to halt their artillery attacks and rocket barrages and air attacks by Thai fighter jets on Cambodian targets.

The two countries have been involved in fierce combat for weeks that began in July, then reignited earlier this month.

Hundreds of thousands on both sides have been displaced by the fighting, prompted by an early French colonial map, Cambodia's then ruler, that's been disputed by the Thai side.

The 72-hour lull is dependent on both sides honoring the ceasefire.

For NPR News, I'm Michael Sullivan in Chiang Rai, Thailand.

The ceasefire signed by the two countries' defense ministers says both countries have agreed to halt their artillery attacks and rocket barrages and air attacks by Thai fighter jets on Cambodian targets.

The two countries have been involved in fierce combat for weeks that began in July, then reignited earlier this month.

Hundreds of thousands on both sides have been displaced by the fighting, prompted by an early French colonial map, Cambodia's then-ruler, that's been disputed by the Thai side.

The 72-hour lull is dependent on both sides honoring the ceasefire.

For NPR News, I'm Michael Sullivan in Chiang Rai, Thailand.

The ceasefire signed by the two countries' defense ministers says both countries have agreed to halt their artillery attacks and rocket barrages and air attacks by Thai fighter jets on Cambodian targets.