Thailand and Cambodia Sign “Immediate” Ceasefire to End Deadly Border War

Thailand and Cambodia have signed an immediate ceasefire agreement to halt weeks of intense military confrontation along their shared border, pausing a conflict that has killed over 100 people and displaced nearly a million civilians. The pact, signed by the defense ministers of both nations on Saturday at a border checkpoint, went into effect at 12:00 p.m. local time, silencing the artillery barrages and airstrikes that have terrorized the region since early December.
The agreement was finalized at the Prum-Ban Pak Kard international crossing by Thai Defense Minister Natthaphon Nakrphanit and his Cambodian counterpart, Tea Seiha. Under the terms of the deal, both militaries have committed to an immediate “freeze” of current troop deployments, prohibiting any further tactical movement or reinforcement. Crucially, the accord establishes a framework for the safe return of displaced residents to their homes and includes provisions for joint humanitarian demining operations in the battle-scarred zones.
“This agreement must not be violated under any circumstances,” the joint statement read. As a confidence-building measure, Bangkok has agreed to repatriate 18 Cambodian soldiers currently held as prisoners of war, provided the ceasefire holds without violation for 72 hours.
The breakthrough comes after a bloody escalation that shattered a previous truce brokered in July. The renewed fighting, which erupted on December 8, saw the conflict spiral into conventional warfare, with the Royal Thai Air Force deploying F-16 fighter jets to conduct airstrikes against Cambodian positions near the Dangrek mountain range. Cambodia responded with heavy rocket fire into Thai territory. The violence has been centered on colonial-era territorial disputes surrounding the Preah Vihear temple and other ancient sites.
The human toll has been severe. Official figures indicate that over 100 combatants and civilians have died in the last three weeks alone. Thailand has confirmed the loss of 26 soldiers and dozens of civilians, while international agencies estimate that up to one million people across both sides of the frontier were forced to flee their homes to escape the crossfire.
Diplomatic pressure played a significant role in bringing the parties back to the table. The ceasefire follows intense behind-the-scenes mediation by Malaysia and direct intervention from the United States, with President Trump reportedly threatening economic consequences if the violence continued. However, skepticism remains high; with heavy weaponry still positioned along the front lines, the next 72 hours are viewed by analysts as a critical test of political will in both Bangkok and Phnom Penh.