Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an immediate ceasefire, ending weeks of deadly border clashes that have killed more than 100 people and displaced over half a million. The joint statement, issued by both defence ministers, stipulates that the ceasefire will take effect at noon local time on Saturday, halting all forms of attacks, including on civilians and military objectives.
The agreement, signed by Thai Defence Minister Natthaphon Narkphanit and his Cambodian counterpart Tea Seiha, also includes a pledge to maintain current troop deployments without further movement, as any reinforcement would heighten tensions. Both sides have agreed to cooperate on demining efforts and combating cybercrime.
The clashes, which began in late July, escalated into open combat involving fighter jet sorties, rocket fire, and artillery barrages. Despite a previous ceasefire mediated by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and backed by US President Donald Trump, renewed fighting erupted in early December. Thailand has reported 26 soldiers and one civilian killed, with 44 civilian deaths from collateral effects, while Cambodia has reported 30 civilian deaths and 90 injuries.
Even as talks were underway, Cambodia reported a Thai airstrike on Saturday morning, with F-16 fighter jets dropping four bombs in Banteay Meanchey province. Thailand confirmed a similar attack on Friday. The longstanding territorial dispute along the border remains the root cause of tensions.
