Thailand and Cambodia agree to an immediate ceasefire

Saturday 27 December 2025 - 07:30

By: Sahili Aya

Thailand and Cambodia agree to an immediate ceasefire

Thailand and Cambodia agreed on Saturday to implement an immediate ceasefire in their border conflict, which has claimed at least 47 lives and displaced nearly one million people over the past three weeks, according to a joint statement by both governments.

The truce came into effect at 05:00 GMT and was signed by the defense ministers of the two countries. The agreement provides for a freeze of military positions and allows civilians affected by the fighting to return to their homes as quickly as possible, safely and without obstruction. It also includes plans for demining operations in border areas, enhanced police cooperation to combat cybercrime, and the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers held by Thailand after 72 hours of effective ceasefire.

Residents displaced by the fighting since early December expressed cautious relief. Many have been living in temporary shelters or emergency centers and hope to return home in time for the New Year, although concerns over security remain.

The Thai defense minister described the ceasefire as an opening toward a peaceful solution, acknowledging the suffering and fears of civilians on both sides of the border. Official figures report 26 deaths in Thailand and 21 in Cambodia, though the true toll may be higher.

Thailand and Cambodia have long disputed their 800-kilometer border, drawn during the French colonial era. Tensions have repeatedly flared, particularly around ancient temple sites such as Preah Vihear, raising questions about the durability of the current truce.