Bangkok: Thailand and Cambodia agreed to an “immediate” ceasefire Saturday, a major diplomatic breakthrough following a week of escalating border violence and a reported Thai airstrike that struck deep into Cambodian territory just hours before the deal was signed.

The agreement, reached during high-level talks between defence ministers at a border checkpoint between Pailin and Chanthaburi provinces, aims to halt a conflict that has killed scores of people and displaced hundreds of thousands since early December.

The diplomatic resolution came as a relief to a region on edge, though the morning began with further aggression. Cambodia’s Defence Ministry reported that Thai F-16 fighter jets dropped four bombs on Serei Saophoan in Banteay Meanchey province early Saturday. This followed a massive raid on Friday, where Cambodia claimed 40 bombs were dropped on Chok Chey village, destroying homes and infrastructure.

Thai Air Marshal Jackkrit Thammavichai confirmed the Friday operation, describing it as a joint mission to protect Thailand’s Sa Kaeo province. He maintained that the military confirmed the area was cleared of civilians before the strike.

Terms of the Truce

Under the new agreement, both nations have committed to a total cessation of hostilities. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul previously indicated that Thailand was seeking a 72-hour initial window to test the truce’s viability.

Key components of the deal include:

  • Immediate Ceasefire: All air and ground operations are to stop effective immediately.
  • Prisoner Exchange: Thailand is considering the repatriation of Cambodian prisoners of war as a gesture of goodwill if the truce holds.
  • Diplomatic Channels: Establishing a permanent communication line between border commanders to prevent accidental skirmishes.

"If Cambodia is not sincere about a ceasefire, peace will not be possible," Jackkrit warned prior to the signing, though the mood shifted toward cautious optimism by Saturday afternoon.

Humanitarian and International Toll

The conflict, rooted in long-standing territorial disputes that flared in July, has exacted a heavy price. Thailand has reported 26 military and 45 civilian deaths since Dec. 7. Cambodia has not released military casualty figures but confirmed 30 civilian deaths and 90 injuries.

International pressure, including mediation efforts by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and U.S. President Donald Trump, played a central role in bringing the sides back to the table. This week, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet to affirm Washington’s support for regional stability.

An Unusual Rescue

Amid the exchange of fire, a bizarre humanitarian story emerged from the front lines. Thai media reported the rescue of five malnourished wild animals from a Cambodian casino that had been repurposed as a military stronghold.

Thai marines who captured the site on Sunday discovered a male lion, a lioness, a sun bear, and two Asiatic black bears. The animals were sedated and moved to Thai breeding centres. In a nod to the season, the rescuers named the two lions “Christmas” and “Merry.”

The ceasefire is expected to allow aid organisations to reach the hundreds of thousands of displaced residents currently living in makeshift shelters along the border.

With inputs from AP