MENA Newswire, BANGKOK, December 28, 2025: Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an immediate ceasefire along their shared border following nearly three weeks of armed clashes that resulted in casualties and significant disruption to local communities. The agreement was signed on Saturday in Bangkok by Thai Defence Minister Natthaphon Nakrphanit and Cambodian Defence Minister Tea Seiha, reinstating a bilateral ceasefire mechanism aimed at halting hostilities and preventing further escalation. The joint statement, broadcast on Thailand’s state television, confirmed that the ceasefire took effect immediately on December 27.
Both countries agreed to resume direct military-to-military communication channels to ensure compliance and coordination along the border. The mechanism includes regular liaison meetings between senior military officials and the reactivation of a joint border monitoring committee, which will oversee troop disengagement and maintain lines of communication between field units. The agreement comes after 20 days of intense fighting along several disputed stretches of the Thai-Cambodian frontier. The clashes involved exchanges of artillery fire and small-arms combat near contested areas, prompting temporary evacuations of civilians and heightened military alert levels on both sides.
Border trade and transport routes were also disrupted, affecting economic activity in several border provinces. Authorities from both countries confirmed that local security forces have begun implementing the ceasefire orders, with units instructed to hold their current positions and cease all offensive operations. Initial reports indicated that border checkpoints are gradually reopening for humanitarian access and limited civilian movement as conditions stabilize. The renewed ceasefire mechanism is designed to prevent the recurrence of incidents stemming from overlapping territorial claims. Both nations have long disputed certain border areas demarcated during the colonial period, particularly around the vicinity of historical temples and archaeological sites.
Ceasefire marks renewed stability and cooperation
Previous ceasefire arrangements were periodically interrupted by flare-ups over construction, patrol movements, or territorial demarcation disputes. The Thai Ministry of Defence said the agreement underscores the commitment of both sides to de-escalation and dialogue, while the Cambodian Ministry of Defence confirmed the return of the joint coordination structure that was previously suspended. The statement reaffirmed that both militaries will work closely to ensure the safety of civilians, the resumption of border trade, and the restoration of normal living conditions for communities affected by recent clashes.
The border between Thailand and Cambodia extends for more than 800 kilometers and has remained a sensitive issue for decades. While both nations are members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, occasional incidents have tested regional stability and bilateral trust. The latest ceasefire marks the first formal agreement between the two governments since the escalation began earlier this month, signaling a coordinated effort to restore peace along the frontier. Witnesses in several border districts reported that the intensity of shelling and gunfire subsided significantly after the ceasefire announcement.
Ceasefire concludes phase of conflict and restores security
Civil authorities in both countries have been mobilized to assist displaced residents and assess damage to homes, farmland, and infrastructure. Early recovery efforts are expected to focus on reopening trade crossings and restoring basic services. No official casualty figures have been released, but local authorities confirmed limited losses among security personnel and civilians on both sides. Humanitarian agencies are monitoring the situation and coordinating relief for those temporarily displaced by the hostilities. Military representatives from Thailand and Cambodia are scheduled to meet again in early January to review the ceasefire’s implementation and address any remaining operational issues along the border.
The upcoming meeting will serve as part of the broader joint border committee framework, which facilitates coordination on security, demarcation, and cross-border cooperation. The signing of the agreement concludes a period of heightened tension and reinforces both nations’ stated commitment to maintaining stability and preventing further conflict. The reactivation of the bilateral ceasefire mechanism marks a significant development in efforts to preserve peace and security along the Thai-Cambodian border, ensuring that communication and coordination remain central to resolving disputes peacefully.