Thailand and Cambodia have mutually agreed to an immediate ceasefire, as confirmed by a joint statement from their respective defense ministers on Saturday.
The agreement stipulates the cessation of all troop movements and permits the return of civilians to border areas. This accord aims to halt weeks of border clashes that have resulted in 41 fatalities and displaced approximately one million individuals.
The ceasefire became effective at noon local time (05:00 GMT). An additional condition for the ceasefire involves the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers held by Thailand, which will occur 72 hours after the truce holds. This understanding follows several days of negotiations between Thai and Cambodian officials.
The joint statement details terms of de-escalation, including a commitment to cease attacks on civilians, civilian objects, infrastructure, and military objectives. Both parties are required to avoid unprovoked firing, advancement, or movement of troops towards the other side's positions.
Regarding the detained Cambodian soldiers, their release is to be conducted "in the spirit of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration," an agreement signed by both countries in October, attended by US President Donald Trump. This earlier ceasefire agreement was breached earlier this month, leading to renewed hostilities.
Both nations have attributed blame to the other for the breakdown of the prior truce. The Thai army reported responding to Cambodian fire in Thailand's Ubon Ratchathani Province, which resulted in the death of a Thai soldier. Conversely, Cambodia's defense ministry asserted that Thai forces initiated the attacks in Preah Vihear province, stating Cambodia did not retaliate.
Clashes persisted throughout December. On Friday, Thailand conducted air strikes on a disputed border region in Cambodia. The Thai Air Force indicated it targeted a Cambodian "fortified military position" after civilians had evacuated the area. Cambodia's defense ministry described these strikes as "indiscriminate attacks" against civilian residences.