Thailand and Cambodia Agree Immediate Ceasefire After Weeks of Deadly Border Clashes
An immediate ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia took effect at noon local time on Saturday, ending about 20 days of intense fighting that began in early December. The ceasefire agreement, signed by Thailand's defence minister Natthaphon Narkphanit and Cambodia's defence minister Tea Seiha, commits both countries to halt all weapons and attacks on civilians, civilian objects, infrastructures, and military objectives in all areas. Both sides are to maintain current troop deployments without further movement. Cambodia's defence ministry cautioned that reinforcing positions would heighten tensions.
The conflict, involving fighter jet sorties and airstrikes, has resulted in over 100 deaths and displaced more than 500,000 people on both sides. Thailand reported 26 soldiers and one civilian killed, alongside 44 civilian deaths attributed to collateral effects. Cambodia confirmed 30 civilian deaths and 90 injuries but has not released official military casualty figures. Thailand disclosed that it dropped bombs on targets in Serei Saophoan, Banteay Meanchey, and previously on Chok Chey village.
Going forward, both countries have pledged to cooperate on demining operations and efforts to combat cybercrime. The ceasefire was achieved after mediation led by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and supported by pressure from US President Donald Trump.
