PHNOM PENH: Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an “immediate” ceasefire aimed at ending weeks of intense and deadly fighting along their disputed border, according to a joint statement issued on Saturday by the Cambodian side.
The agreement follows a sharp escalation in a long-running territorial dispute that flared up again earlier this month, breaking a previous truce and resulting in significant human and humanitarian losses. Official figures indicate that at least 47 people have been killed in the renewed violence, while nearly one million civilians have been forced to flee their homes due to ongoing shelling and insecurity in border regions.
Under the terms of the joint statement, signed by the defence ministers of both countries, the ceasefire takes effect from 12:00 noon local time on December 27, 2025. The agreement calls for a complete halt to hostilities, covering all forms of military action and weaponry.
“Both sides agree to an immediate ceasefire after the time of signature of this Joint Statement with effect from 12:00 hours noon (local time) on 27 December 2025, involving all types of weapons, including attacks on civilians, civilian objects and infrastructure, and military objectives of either side, in all cases and all areas,” the statement said.
In addition to stopping the fighting, both Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to freeze all troop movements along the contested frontier. The measure is intended to prevent further escalation and build confidence between the two sides following weeks of heightened tensions.
The agreement also includes provisions to facilitate the safe and voluntary return of civilians displaced by the conflict. Authorities from both countries pledged to allow residents of affected border areas to return to their homes as soon as security conditions permit.
Beyond immediate security concerns, the two neighbours committed to broader cooperation efforts. These include joint demining operations in conflict-affected areas, where unexploded ordnance poses ongoing risks to civilians, as well as collaboration in combating cybercrime, reflecting a wider scope of bilateral coordination.
The recent clashes largely centred on disputed zones along the Thai-Cambodian border, particularly areas surrounding ancient temples that have long been a source of contention between the two countries. While the ceasefire is expected to bring immediate relief to affected populations, observers note that lasting peace will likely depend on sustained dialogue and effective mechanisms to address the underlying territorial disputes.
The ceasefire comes into force at 12:00 pm local time (0500 GMT), raising cautious hopes for an end to the fighting and a gradual return to stability along the shared frontier.
