Thailand and Cambodia Agree to Fresh Ceasefire
Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to a fresh ceasefire to end weeks of fighting along their disputed border. The ceasefire came into effect on December 27, with both sides committing to an immediate halt to all military operations, including the use of heavy weapons. Officials said the agreement is intended to stabilise the situation and prevent further civilian casualties.
Under the terms of the ceasefire, both countries agreed not to advance troop positions or violate each other’s airspace. The pause in hostilities is expected to allow displaced civilians to return to their homes and restore basic services in affected areas.
Confidence-Building Steps
As part of the agreement, Thailand said it would release Cambodian soldiers detained during earlier clashes, provided the ceasefire holds. Both governments described the move as a confidence-building measure aimed at reinforcing trust and preventing further escalation.
Military commanders on both sides have been instructed to maintain open communication to address any incidents quickly and avoid misunderstandings.
Background and Outlook
The latest clashes began earlier this month after a previous truce broke down, leading to exchanges of artillery fire and cross-border attacks. The fighting caused casualties among both civilians and security personnel and displaced large numbers of residents.
While the ceasefire has eased immediate tensions, officials acknowledged that the underlying border dispute remains unresolved. Further diplomatic talks are expected to continue through bilateral channels.
