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Ceasefire takes effect after weeks of fighting
Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an immediate halt in hostilities along their shared border, defense officials from both nations announced in a joint statement on Saturday. The truce, which began at noon local time (05:00 GMT), follows nearly three weeks of fierce clashes that left dozens dead and nearly one million people displaced.
Key terms of the agreement
The ceasefire freezes military positions at their current locations, allowing civilians in border areas to return home. After 72 hours of sustained peace, Thailand will release 18 Cambodian soldiers detained since July. The deal also includes provisions to clear landmines from contested zones.
Thai Defense Minister Natthaphon Narkphanit called the agreement a test of Cambodia's commitment, warning that Thailand reserves the right to self-defense under international law if violations occur.
Diplomatic efforts and past failures
The breakthrough followed days of negotiations, with China and the U.S. playing supportive roles. Unlike a previous ceasefire in July-which collapsed earlier this month-this agreement did not involve direct intervention from U.S. President Donald Trump, though the State Department was engaged.
Both sides have traded accusations over the breakdown of the July truce. Thailand claimed its forces responded to Cambodian fire in Si Sa Ket province, injuring two soldiers. Cambodia, however, alleged Thai troops initiated attacks in Preah Vihear province and denied retaliating.
Recent escalation and air strikes
Clashes persisted through December, culminating in Thai air strikes on Friday. The Thai Air Force said it targeted a Cambodian military position after civilians were evacuated, while Cambodia condemned the strikes as indiscriminate attacks on homes.
Challenges to lasting peace
The ceasefire's durability hinges on political will, as nationalist tensions remain high in both countries. Cambodia, which has suffered significant military losses and territorial setbacks, may struggle to accept a long-term resolution amid grievances over Thai air strikes and lost equipment.
The border dispute traces back over a century but intensified this year after a group of Cambodian women sang patriotic songs at a contested temple. A May clash killed one Cambodian soldier, and July saw five days of heavy fighting, leaving dozens dead and thousands displaced.
Previous attempts at de-escalation
A fragile ceasefire brokered by Malaysia and President Trump in late October-dubbed the "Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords"-collapsed after Thailand suspended it in November. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul cited ongoing landmine threats to Thai soldiers as justification, arguing security risks had not diminished.
