Thailand and Cambodia have officially signed a ceasefire pact to put an end to the recent armed conflicts along their shared border caused by territorial disputes. The agreement came into effect at noon local time and includes provisions to cease hostilities, refrain from military movements, and prevent violations of each other’s airspace for military purposes.
Notably, Thailand had utilized airstrikes during the conflict, targeting locations in Cambodia as recently as Saturday morning, as reported by Cambodia’s Defence Ministry. A significant clause in the agreement stipulates that Thailand must repatriate 18 Cambodian soldiers who have been held captive since earlier clashes in July, a key demand from the Cambodian side, after the ceasefire has been consistently upheld for 72 hours.
Both nations have reaffirmed their commitment to a previous ceasefire that brought an end to five days of fighting in July along with subsequent agreements. China has expressed support for the joint ceasefire statement and announced that their foreign minister would convene with counterparts from Thailand and Cambodia. The Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry highlighted the importance of dialogue and consultation as effective means to resolve complex disputes.
The meeting between Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi, Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, and Thai representative Sihasak Phuangketkeow is set to take place in Yunnan province over Sunday and Monday, with military officials from all three countries also in attendance. China has pledged to facilitate ongoing communication between Cambodia and Thailand to solidify the ceasefire, enhance exchanges, rebuild mutual trust, improve relations, and uphold regional peace.
It is worth noting that the initial ceasefire in July was mediated by Malaysia and influenced by pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who had threatened to revoke trade privileges unless both Thailand and Cambodia reached an agreement. Further details were ironed out in October during a regional summit in Malaysia attended by Trump. Despite these prior agreements, the nations engaged in a war of words and sporadic cross-border skirmishes, culminating in escalated fighting in early December.