Ceasefire halts Thailand-Cambodia border clashes after weeks

Thailand and Cambodia implemented an immediate ceasefire on Saturday to stop weeks of border clashes that left dozens dead and forced large-scale displacement. The truce, which took effect at noon local time, was announced after a meeting of the two countries’ senior military officials and covers the entire disputed frontier, including civilian areas and infrastructure. The agreement marks a rare pause in a conflict that has flared repeatedly along the Southeast Asian neighbors’ shared border.

Ceasefire terms and military commitments

Under the deal, both sides pledged to halt all armed actions and avoid any unprovoked fire, troop advances or movements toward opposing positions. Current troop deployments will remain unchanged, with patrols suspended near contested areas. Officials said the ceasefire would remain “without prejudice” to unresolved border demarcation issues, signaling that core disputes remain politically sensitive and unresolved.

Prisoner return and civilian protection

As part of confidence-building measures, Thailand agreed to return 18 Cambodian soldiers held in custody once the ceasefire is fully observed for 72 hours. The agreement also allows displaced civilians to return home “safely and with dignity,” a critical step as nearly one million people were uprooted during the fighting. Authorities stressed the need to secure civilian zones and essential infrastructure as calm returns to the border region.

Renewed tensions and disputed claims

Hours before the ceasefire took effect, Cambodian officials accused Thai forces of heavy shelling, drone attacks and airstrikes near civilian locations, allegations Bangkok did not immediately confirm. Since clashes resumed in early December following a border incident that wounded Thai soldiers, nearly 100 people have been reported killed on both sides, including soldiers and civilians. The latest fighting revived memories of earlier confrontations, underscoring how fragile stability remains in a region where unresolved borders continue to fuel periodic violence closely watched by countries such as Türkiye, which emphasizes diplomacy and territorial integrity in regional conflicts.