Cambodia, Thailand sign ceasefire agreement to end border hostilities

PHNOM PENH (Dec 27): Cambodia and Thailand agreed to an immediate ceasefire, effective from noon (local time) on Saturday, to end all border hostilities, bringing a halt to the conflict that reignited on Dec 7.

The defence ministers from both countries signed a Joint Statement of the 3rd Special General Border Committee (GBC) Meeting on Saturday morning, the final day of the meeting.

“Both sides agree to an immediate ceasefire involving all types of weapons, including attacks on civilians, civilian objects and infrastructures, and military objectives of either side, in all cases and all areas.

“Both sides must avoid unprovoked firing or advancement or movement of troops towards the other side’s positions or troops. This agreement must not be violated under any circumstances,” stated the Joint Statement.

The statement was posted on Cambodia’s Information Ministry Facebook page, as well as on Thailand’s Foreign Ministry website.

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, as well as Cambodian GBC Co-Chairman, General Tea Seiha, and Thai Defence Minister and Thai GBC Co-Chairman, General (Rtd) Nattaphon Narkphanit, signed the document.

The meeting was held at Prum in Pailin Province, Cambodia, and at Ban Pak Kard in Chanthaburi, Thailand, an international point of entry.

The meeting was witnessed by the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT). The meeting will also strengthen the roles of the AOT, in consultation with both the ASEAN Chair and the AOT.

In the spirit of the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration of Oct 26, both sides also agreed that the 18 Cambodian soldiers currently held in Thailand will be returned to Cambodia after the ceasefire has been fully observed for 72 hours.

Both countries also reached an agreement on several important issues, including ensuring the safety of the joint survey teams on the ground, particularly regarding landmines.

They also agreed to facilitate the safe return of civilians living in the affected border areas to their homes and end online scams and human trafficking.

“The meeting reiterates the firm commitment to refrain from the threat or use of force, peaceful settlement of disputes, and respect for international boundaries and of international law, for the promotion of peace, security, stability,” stated the statement.

Both governments also reaffirmed their commitment to the effective implementation of the ceasefire arrangement of July 28, 2025, the GBC agreements and Joint Boundary Commission meetings, and existing agreements between both countries.

The statement further underscored Cambodia’s and Thailand’s adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter, the ASEAN Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, to promote peace and stability in the region. – Bernama