Thailand and Cambodia Sign Ceasefire to End Border War

BANGKOK

Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to a ceasefire to end weeks of intense fighting along their disputed border, signaling a major step toward stabilizing the region after one of the deadliest clashes in years. The agreement, effective from noon local time on December 27, 2025, calls for an immediate halt to all hostilities, including troop movements and the use of heavy weapons, while both sides pledged to maintain open lines of communication to prevent further escalation.

The ceasefire was signed by Thai Defence Minister Natthaphon Narkphanit and Cambodian Defence Minister Tea Seiha after three days of intensive negotiations at a border checkpoint. It includes provisions for the temporary withdrawal of troops from contested areas and the conditional release of 18 Cambodian soldiers currently held by Thai authorities, with repatriation set once the truce holds for 72 hours. Both governments have also agreed to cooperate on humanitarian measures, including clearing landmines and supporting displaced civilians.

The clashes erupted in early December over long-standing territorial disputes rooted in century-old colonial-era border demarcations. Fighting spread across key sections of the 817-kilometre frontier, involving artillery, rockets, and sporadic airstrikes, forcing hundreds of thousands of civilians from their homes. Official reports estimate dozens of fatalities and many more injuries on both sides, with displacement affecting over half a million people.

This ceasefire follows earlier attempts at negotiation mediated by ASEAN and other regional partners, which previously collapsed, leading to renewed violence. The latest agreement reflects a concerted effort by both nations to avoid a repeat of past failures and emphasizes diplomatic engagement through the Joint Boundary Commission to seek a more permanent resolution.

International responses have been largely positive. The United Nations Secretary-General welcomed the ceasefire as a critical step toward civilian protection, while neighboring countries including China and Malaysia praised the agreement and offered diplomatic support. Analysts, however, caution that the situation remains fragile, noting that past truces faltered amid accusations of violations and sporadic attacks.

Officials from both Bangkok and Phnom Penh stressed that the ceasefire is not just a military pause but a commitment to dialogue, humanitarian relief, and confidence-building measures. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether this truce can hold, allowing displaced communities to return safely and opening the door to a lasting peace in the border region.

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