Thailand and Cambodia have announced an immediate ceasefire to end weeks of intense border clashes that have resulted in significant loss of life and displacement. The announcement was made on Saturday in a joint statement released by Cambodian officials, marking a crucial step toward restoring peace along their shared frontier.
Details of the Ceasefire Agreement
The ceasefire is set to take effect at 12:00 hours local time on December 27, 2025, and encompasses all types of weaponry. The agreement explicitly prohibits attacks on civilians, civilian infrastructure, and military objectives from either side. According to the joint statement signed by the defense ministers of both nations, the commitment to halt hostilities aims to provide relief to the affected populations.
In addition to ceasing military actions, both countries have agreed to freeze troop movements and facilitate the safe return of civilians residing in border areas. Currently, around one million people have been displaced due to the fighting, which reignited earlier this month after a fragile truce was broken. Official counts report at least 47 fatalities as a direct result of the clashes.
International Context and Support
This ceasefire follows three days of discussions initiated after a crisis meeting involving foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), an organization that includes both Thailand and Cambodia. The United States, China, and Malaysia have also played significant roles in urging the two nations to return to a state of peace.
In July, these external powers facilitated a temporary truce to end five days of deadly confrontations, yet that ceasefire proved short-lived. The ongoing conflict has primarily centered around a few ancient temples situated in disputed territories along the border.
Looking ahead, both Thailand and Cambodia have expressed a willingness to cooperate not only on maintaining the ceasefire but also on demining efforts and combating cybercrime, indicating a commitment to long-term stability and security in the region.
The hope is that this renewed ceasefire can pave the way for lasting peace and prevent further humanitarian crises, allowing both nations to focus on rebuilding and supporting their affected communities.