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Pailin, December 27 :
Cambodia and Thailand on Saturday announced an immediate ceasefire to ease tensions along their shared border. The ceasefire came into force at 12:00 noon (local time).
The agreement follows weeks of deadly clashes that killed over 100 people and forced more than 500,000 residents to flee their homes.
Leaders Agree to De-escalation Measures
Cambodian and Thai officials reached the decision during the 3rd Special General Border Committee (GBC) Meeting. The meeting took place at the Prum–Ban Pak Kard International Point of Entry.
During the talks, both sides stressed peaceful dialogue and mutual respect. They agreed to resolve disputes through diplomacy and trust.
Ceasefire Covers All Weapons and Targets
Under the agreement, both countries halted all military operations.
The ceasefire applies to:
- All weapons
- Civilian areas
- Military positions
- Critical infrastructure
Moreover, both sides committed to avoid troop movement toward each other’s positions. They also pledged to prevent unprovoked firing under any circumstances.
ASEAN Plays Key Mediating Role
Meanwhile, Cambodia and Thailand recalled the ASEAN Chair’s Statement issued on December 22 in Kuala Lumpur.
As a result, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to:
- Avoid the use of force
- Respect earlier ceasefire arrangements
- Uphold bilateral agreements
ASEAN observers attended the meeting and supported the peace process.
Joint Efforts on Demining and Border Safety
In addition, both countries reaffirmed their obligations under the Ottawa Convention on anti-personnel mines.
They agreed to:
- Strengthen cooperation on humanitarian demining
- Work through the Joint Coordinating Task Force (JCTF)
- Follow agreed Standard Operating Procedures
These steps aim to improve safety along the border.
Stronger Action Against Transnational Crimes
Furthermore, Cambodia and Thailand pledged to enhance cooperation against transnational crimes.
This includes joint efforts to curb:
- Cyber scams
- Human trafficking
Both sides agreed to implement the existing Action Plan on Crime Prevention.
Cambodian Soldiers to Return After Ceasefire Holds
As a confidence-building step, Thailand will return 18 Cambodian soldiers. This will happen once the ceasefire holds for 72 hours.
The move follows the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration signed on October 26.
Defence Ministers Lead High-Level Talks
Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, General Tea Seiha, co-chaired the meeting. Thailand’s Defence Minister, General Nattaphon Narkphanit, also led the talks.
The ASEAN Observer Team attended as neutral observers.
Region Moves Toward Stability
Overall, the ceasefire marks a major breakthrough after weeks of violence. ASEAN mediation played a critical role in reducing tensions.
If both sides uphold the agreement, the region could soon move toward lasting peace and stability.
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