Thailand and Cambodia Reach Immediate Ceasefire Amidst Ongoing Border Clashes

Sat Dec 27 2025 12:03:52 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a significant development, Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an immediate ceasefire following weeks of deadly border clashes that resulted in numerous casualties and mass displacements.

Thailand and Cambodia's defense ministers announced an immediate ceasefire, effective from noon local time, to end violent clashes at the border. This ceasefire follows extensive negotiations to halt ongoing hostilities that have claimed at least 41 lives and displaced nearly a million people. Both nations have committed to freeze troop movements and ensure the safety of civilians. Terms of de-escalation include avoiding attacks on civilians and military objectives. The ceasefire also proposes the release of detained soldiers once secure, indicating a potential path to lasting peace.

Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an immediate ceasefire, the defense ministers of the two countries said in a joint statement on Saturday. Both sides have agreed to freeze all troop movements and allow civilians living in border areas to return home, halting weeks of intense border clashes that have killed at least 41 people and displaced almost a million people.

The ceasefire took effect at noon local time (05:00 GMT). Once it has held for 72 hours, 18 Cambodian soldiers held by Thailand will also be released, the statement said. The breakthrough came after Thai and Cambodian officials held several days of talks aimed at ending fresh fighting between the two countries.

The joint statement outlines the terms of de-escalation, which includes ceasing attacks on civilians, civilian objects and infrastructures, and military objectives of either side. Both sides must avoid unprovoked firing or advancement or movement of troops towards the other side's positions or troops, the statement added.

The release of the 18 Cambodian soldiers held by Thailand would be conducted in the spirit of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration, a historic agreement between the two nations signed in October.

However, this ceasefire agreement was previously broken earlier this month, with fresh clashes erupting. Both countries have blamed each other for the breakdown of the truce, leading to continued violence throughout December, including airstrikes by Thailand in disputed territories.

Border disputes between Thailand and Cambodia have historical roots, escalating recently due to a series of incidents. A fragile ceasefire was established after international involvement, but the conflict flared again when Thailand raised concerns about security threats.