Thailand and Cambodia have officially signed a ceasefire pact to put an end to the recent armed conflicts along their shared border. The agreement, effective as of noon local time, not only halts the fighting but also prohibits any further military movements or violations of each country’s airspace for military purposes.
Thailand had been conducting airstrikes during the conflict, targeting locations in Cambodia as recently as Saturday morning, as confirmed by Cambodia’s Defence Ministry. One significant provision of the agreement stipulates that Thailand must repatriate 18 Cambodian soldiers who have been held captive since earlier clashes in July, after a full 72-hour ceasefire period.
Both nations have reaffirmed their commitment to a prior ceasefire that concluded five days of hostilities in July, along with subsequent agreements. China has shown support for the joint ceasefire statement and announced that its foreign minister will meet with counterparts from Thailand and Cambodia. The Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry emphasized the importance of dialogue and consultation in resolving complex disputes effectively.
Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi is scheduled to meet with Cambodian counterpart Prak Sokhonn and Thailand’s Sihasak Phuangketkeow in Yunnan province over Sunday and Monday. China has expressed readiness to facilitate further communication between Cambodia and Thailand to maintain the ceasefire, restore ties, and promote regional peace.
The first ceasefire in July was mediated by Malaysia and pressured by U.S. President Donald Trump, who hinted at withholding trade privileges unless both nations reached an agreement. This initial ceasefire was detailed further in October during a regional gathering in Malaysia attended by Trump. Despite these efforts, both countries continued a war of words and experienced sporadic border skirmishes, culminating in escalated heavy fighting in early December.