Ceasefire Brings Tentative Calm to Long-Standing Border Conflict
Thailand and Cambodia have signed an immediate ceasefire to bring an end to weeks of deadly fighting along their shared border, according to official statements from both governments. The deal, signed on December 27, 2025, by the defence ministers of each country, took effect at noon local time and applies to all types of military operations and attacks on civilian areas.
The clashes, which began in early December after a prior truce broke down, marked the fiercest border confrontation in years between the neighbouring Southeast Asian nations. Fighting included artillery barrages, rocket exchanges, and airstrikes, resulting in at least 101 confirmed deaths and forced hundreds of thousands of civilians from their homes in provinces on both sides of the border.
Provisions and Implementation
Under the ceasefire agreement, both sides have agreed to:
Halt all offensive operations, including attacks on civilian infrastructure and military targets.
Maintain current troop deployments without further movements that could escalate tension.
Work toward humanitarian measures, including allowing displaced persons to return home.
Additional provisions discussed include the release of prisoners contingent on sustained compliance with the truce and coordinated efforts for de-escalation in remaining flashpoint areas.
Regional and International Reactions
The ceasefire has drawn broad regional support, with nations such as China and Malaysia playing active roles in facilitating dialogue and hosting follow-up talks to support lasting peace and stability. China’s foreign minister welcomed the agreement and emphasized the importance of resuming normal relations and rebuilding trust between the two countries.
International leaders have underscored that the next 72 hours will be critical in determining whether the ceasefire holds and if both sides will move toward a broader diplomatic solution.
Historical Context
The conflict stems from a long-running territorial dispute along the nearly 800-km Cambodia-Thailand border, with competing claims dating back over a century and fueled by historical grievances and nationalist sentiment. Clashes earlier in 2025 had already tested previous ceasefire efforts, including an accord signed at the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord in October 2025, which ultimately failed to prevent renewed hostilities.
While this latest agreement offers a hopeful path forward, analysts caution that sustained diplomacy and monitoring will be required to translate the ceasefire into a durable peace and prevent future escalations.