A long-awaited ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia has officially come into force, raising hopes of peace after nearly three weeks of deadly fighting along their shared border. The clashes have forced close to one million people to flee their homes, creating one of the most serious humanitarian crises in the region in recent years.
The agreement, announced jointly by defence officials from both countries, aims to stop further violence and allow displaced civilians to safely return home.
Ceasefire Takes Effect at Noon
The ceasefire began at 12:00 local time on Saturday (05:00 GMT) following days of intense diplomatic talks.
In a joint statement, the defence ministers of Thailand and Cambodia agreed to:
Freeze military front lines at their current positions
Ban troop reinforcements and additional weapons
Allow civilians in border areas to return as soon as conditions permit
Begin landmine removal operations to improve safety
The agreement also includes a humanitarian gesture. Once the ceasefire has held for 72 hours, Thailand will release 18 Cambodian soldiers who have been detained since July.
International Pressure Helps Break the Deadlock
The breakthrough came after sustained diplomatic pressure and mediation, particularly from:
China
The United States
While previous ceasefire attempts failed, international partners pushed both sides to return to the negotiating table as violence escalated and civilian suffering worsened.
Unlike the earlier truce in July, US President Donald Trump was not personally involved, although the US State Department played a role behind the scenes.
Thailand Warns Ceasefire Is a “Test of Sincerity”
Thailand’s Defence Minister Natthaphon Narkphanit welcomed the agreement but issued a firm warning.
He described the ceasefire as a test of Cambodia’s intentions and said Thailand would act if it was violated.
“Should the ceasefire fail to materialise or be violated, Thailand retains its legitimate right to self-defence under international law,” he told reporters.
Thailand has previously expressed frustration over what it sees as poor implementation of past truces and Cambodia’s efforts to internationalise the conflict.
Global Leaders Urge Peace and Good Faith
International organisations and foreign governments have welcomed the ceasefire cautiously.
UN human rights chief Volker Türk said he hopes the deal will “pave the way for lasting peace.”
An EU spokesperson urged both sides to implement the agreement in “good faith.”
Human rights groups have stressed the importance of protecting civilians and ensuring safe returns for displaced families.
Previous Ceasefire Collapsed Amid Fresh Violence
This is not the first attempt to end the fighting.
A previous ceasefire, signed earlier this year, collapsed after renewed clashes broke out. Both Thailand and Cambodia accused each other of violating the agreement.
Recent incidents include:
Thai troops injured in Si Sa Ket province, allegedly by Cambodian fire
Cambodia claiming Thai forces attacked first in Preah Vihear province
Continued clashes throughout December
Thai air strikes carried out inside Cambodia on Friday
Thailand said its air force targeted a fortified Cambodian military position after civilians had left the area. Cambodia, however, accused Thailand of carrying out indiscriminate attacks on civilian homes.
Deep-Rooted Border Dispute Fuels Nationalist Anger
The border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia dates back more than 100 years, but tensions rose sharply earlier this year.
Key events include:
A group of Cambodian women singing patriotic songs at a disputed temple
A Cambodian soldier killed in May
Five days of heavy fighting in July, killing dozens of soldiers and civilians
Thousands of civilians displaced from both sides
Nationalist sentiment has intensified in both countries, making compromise politically difficult.
Cambodia Faces Heavy Losses
Cambodia has suffered particularly severe damage during the recent clashes:
Loss of many soldiers
Destruction of military equipment
Being pushed back from several border positions
Significant damage from Thai air strikes
These losses have created strong grievances that may complicate efforts toward a lasting peace.
The Failed Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords
In late October, a fragile truce was signed following mediation by Malaysia and President Donald Trump.
Trump named the agreement the “Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords.” It required both sides to:
Withdraw heavy weapons from disputed areas
Establish an interim observer team to monitor the ceasefire
However, Thailand suspended the agreement in November after its soldiers were injured by landmines. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said at the time that the security situation had “not actually decreased.”
Will This Ceasefire Hold?
Much now depends on political will and restraint on both sides. With emotions running high and deep mistrust remaining, the coming days will be critical.
For displaced families living in temporary shelters, this ceasefire offers a glimmer of hope—but many remain cautious after months of violence and broken promises.
References
BBC News
Reuters
United Nations Human Rights Office
European Union External Action Service
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