Thailand and Cambodia Reach Ceasefire Amid Ongoing Border Tensions

Sat Dec 27 2025 11:41:14 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

After weeks of violent clashes that have claimed lives and displaced nearly one million people, Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to a ceasefire that aims to bring stability back to their border areas.

In a significant development, Thailand and Cambodia have announced a ceasefire following intense border conflicts that resulted in 41 deaths and the displacement of almost one million individuals. The ceasefire includes a halt to troop movements, safe return for civilians, and plans for the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers. This ceasefire will be a pivotal step towards de-escalation, although tensions remain high due to previous hostilities.

Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an immediate ceasefire, the defence 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 said.

The statement also mentioned that the release of the 18 Cambodian soldiers held by Thailand would be conducted in the spirit of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration, an agreement signed in October 2025.

That ceasefire agreement was broken earlier this month when fresh clashes erupted. Both sides have since blamed each other for the breakdown of the truce.

The Thai army claimed its troops responded to Cambodian fire in Thailand's Ubon Ratchathani Province, resulting in the death of a Thai soldier. In contrast, Cambodia's defence ministry stated that Thai forces attacked first in Preah Vihear province.

Clashes have continued throughout December, with Thailand carrying out air strikes on disputed border regions in Cambodia. The Thai Air Force stated it targeted a Cambodian military position, while Cambodia accused Thailand of indiscriminate attacks on civilian houses.

Border disputes between these countries date back over a century, and recent escalations have exacerbated tensions. Following several instances of violence earlier in the year, both nations had agreed to a ceasefire mediated by foreign parties, including the US, but the peace has proven fragile and tentative.