Phnom penh: Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to implement an immediate ceasefire to bring an end to three weeks of intense fighting along their shared border, which has resulted in the deaths of dozens and left many others wounded. The ceasefire, which took effect on Saturday at noon local time, was announced following a meeting of the 3rd Special General Border Committee (GBC), co-chaired by the defense ministers of the two Southeast Asian nations.
According to Philippines News Agency, the joint statement from the Cambodian Prime Minister's office declared that both countries have committed to stop all armed hostilities, with a pledge to refrain from unprovoked fire or movement of troops toward each other's positions. This agreement extends to all areas along the border, protecting military targets, civilians, and infrastructure.
As part of the ceasefire agreement, Thailand is set to return 18 soldiers held since July to Cambodia, contingent on the ceasefire being fully maintained for 72 hours. Both nations also agreed to maintain their current troop deployments, avoiding any further movements or patrols toward opposing positions. The joint statement made clear that the ceasefire does not affect existing border demarcation issues.
The countries have also decided to resume survey and demarcation work through the Joint Boundary Commission, prioritizing areas where civilians are affected and ensuring the safety of joint survey teams from landmines. Displaced civilians will be allowed to return safely to their homes and resume their livelihoods.
Earlier reports from the Cambodian Defense Ministry accused the Thai military of using heavy artillery, drones, and fighter jets to launch attacks in several border areas, including Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey provinces. The Cambodian state-run Agence Kampuchea Presse reported these allegations, but there was no immediate response from the Thai authorities.
The renewed clashes, which began on December 8, have resulted in the deaths of 99 people, including 26 Thai soldiers, a civilian, and 31 Cambodian civilians. Additionally, 41 civilians have died due to collateral effects, according to Thai authorities. The conflict has displaced nearly 1 million people from both sides.
The border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia has a long history, with previous clashes in July resulting in at least 48 deaths.
