Thailand and Cambodia reached a second ceasefire on Saturday, ending weeks of severe border fighting, which resulted in over 101 deaths and displaced more than half a million people. The ceasefire took effect at noon (0500 GMT) and was confirmed by a Thai Defence Ministry spokesperson, who reported no gunfire since its start. Prior to the ceasefire, Cambodia accused Thailand of conducting an airstrike.
The ceasefire agreement was signed by the Thai and Cambodian defence ministers and followed 20 days of clashes involving air and artillery strikes. Both sides agreed to maintain current troop levels to avoid escalating tensions, and the situation will be monitored by observers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Tensions had intensified after a previous ceasefire broke down earlier this month, despite U. S. President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s efforts to mediate peace. The new ceasefire resulted from discussions involving ASEAN foreign ministers and meetings between the two defence ministers.
Civilians are expected to return to areas impacted by the fighting, and Thailand will release 18 Cambodian soldiers in its custody if the ceasefire holds for 72 hours. However, the ceasefire does not affect ongoing border demarcation efforts between the two nations, remaining under current bilateral resolutions.
Past disputes over the border have resulted in clashes for over a century, and recent fighting expanded from forested regions to coastal areas. Both nations emphasized that their citizens are not in conflict with each other, highlighting a desire for peace and stability.
With information from Reuters
