Thailand & Cambodia sign landmark ceasefire agreement in Chanthaburi. End border clashes & restore peace. Click for details on the historic accord.
Chanthaburi: Thailand and Cambodia have signed a ceasefire agreement following renewed fighting along their shared border. The accord was formalised on Saturday at a border checkpoint in Thailand's Chanthaburi Province, marking a step toward stabilising a region that has seen repeated clashes in recent months.
According to a statement from the Special General Border Committee, issued by Cambodia, the ceasefire will take effect from 12:00 noon local time on December 27, 2025. It covers all types of weapons and operations, including attacks on civilians, civilian infrastructure, and military objectives.
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Earlier on Saturday, the Cambodian Ministry of Defence said that both countries had agreed on the draft Joint Statement during the third Special Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee meeting on Friday night, with ASEAN observers present.
Background: Escalation of border tensions
The latest round of fighting began in December 2025 after a ceasefire declared in July collapsed. During the escalation, Thailand deployed fighter jets and artillery, while Cambodia responded with rocket fire. Clashes have occurred across contested sections of the Thailand–Cambodia border, particularly around the Dangrek mountain range, which spans northeastern Thailand and northern Cambodia.
The border area is home to several ancient Khmer temples, including sites near Preah Vihear. The International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 that the temple belongs to Cambodia, but the surrounding land remains disputed, fueling repeated military tensions.
Diplomatic efforts and international response
US President Donald Trump said he spoke separately with the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia during the December escalation and described the discussions as positive, with both sides pledging to cease fire and restore calm.
Despite diplomatic announcements, clashes continued on the ground. Thailand’s caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that Thai military operations would continue until threats were neutralised. Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet reaffirmed commitment to peace and dialogue, urging continued engagement through diplomatic channels.
ASEAN member states have also urged both countries to return to negotiations and prevent further civilian displacement.
Civilian impact and casualties
The December fighting followed an earlier confrontation in May at the Emerald Triangle, where Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos converge, resulting in the death of a Cambodian soldier. Subsequent clashes in July and December displaced tens of thousands of civilians, with casualties reported among soldiers and civilians alike.
Published: 27 Dec 2025, 10:12 am IST
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