The Governments of the Kingdom of Thailand and the Kingdom of Cambodia are pleased to announce the signing of a Joint Statement establishing an immediate ceasefire, effective from noon local time today.
This agreement marks a critical step toward de-escalating tensions along the shared border and restoring peace and stability in the region following weeks of deadly clashes.
The ceasefire agreement, signed by Thai Defence Minister Natthaphon Narkphanit and Cambodian Defence Minister Tea Seiha, commits both nations to halting all forms of attacks, including those involving any type of weapons against civilians, civilian infrastructure, and military targets in all areas.
Both sides have agreed to maintain current troop deployments without further movements or reinforcements, refraining from provocative actions, and avoiding the dissemination of false information that could escalate tensions.
As part of the agreement, Thailand will return 18 captured Cambodian soldiers within 72 hours, provided the ceasefire is fully maintained. Additionally, the two countries have pledged to cooperate on demining efforts and combating cybercrime to support long term resolution of border issues.
A team of observers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will monitor the implementation of the ceasefire, and both parties have committed to maintaining open channels of communication to address any emerging issues.
The recent clashes, which erupted after a previous truce broke down earlier this month, have resulted in over 100 fatalities and displaced more than half a million civilians on both sides of the border. These conflicts stem from longstanding territorial disputes along the 800-kilometer border, including areas around ancient temples and historical frontier demarcations.
"Both sides agree to an immediate ceasefire after the time of signature of this Joint Statement," stated the defence ministers in their joint declaration. This follows three days of intensive talks, with mediation support from regional and international partners, including Malaysia, the United States, and China.
Looking ahead, a trilateral meeting involving the foreign ministers of Cambodia and Thailand, along with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, is scheduled for tomorrow in Yunnan, China, to further build mutual confidence and advance peace efforts.
The Governments of Thailand and Cambodia urge all citizens in border areas to remain calm and cooperate with authorities as the ceasefire takes hold. This agreement paves the way for displaced families to safely return home and for both nations to focus on dialogue and cooperation for a prosperous future.