Thailand Cambodia Ceasefire Takes Effect After Weeks of Border Fighting

Thailand and Cambodia agreed to a new ceasefire on Saturday after weeks of fierce border clashes. The deal took effect at noon along the contested frontier. It aims to stop airstrikes, ground movements, and all military flights in the area. The agreement was signed at the border by both defense ministers.

According to AP and Reuters, the ceasefire comes after heavy fighting across December. It follows rising pressure from regional partners and global powers who warned that the conflict risked spreading. Both nations now say they will try to restore calm and allow civilians to return home.

Thailand Cambodia Ceasefire Details and Key Terms

The ceasefire blocks troop movements and bans the use of airspace for military action. Thai forces had carried out several airstrikes in recent days, including one attack early Saturday, according to the Cambodian Defense Ministry. Both sides say they will stop major operations at once.

The deal also orders Thailand to release 18 Cambodian soldiers held since July. Cambodia has pushed for their return for months. Thailand will send them home once the truce holds for 72 hours. Officials say this step is a key trust test.

According to Reuters, Thailand filed a protest hours after the signing. A Thai soldier was badly hurt after stepping on a land mine along the border. Thailand says Cambodian troops placed new mines this year. Cambodia denies this and says they are old mines from past wars.

Defense chiefs Tea Seiha of Cambodia and Nattaphon Narkphanit of Thailand signed the agreement after three days of talks. They also reaffirmed a previous ceasefire set in July. That deal was pushed by Malaysia and strong pressure from the United States. The sides say they now want to rebuild trust and stop the spread of violence.

Regional Response and Impact on Civilians

The United States, China, and the United Nations praised the new Thailand Cambodia ceasefire. The U.N. called it a positive move that may ease suffering for civilians and open space for peace efforts. China will host new talks this week in Yunnan with both foreign ministers.

Fighting since early December killed dozens and forced hundreds of thousands to flee. Thailand says it lost 26 soldiers and one civilian. Forty-four Thai civilians also died. Cambodia says at least 30 civilians were killed and 90 were hurt. Many border towns emptied as families escaped shelling and mines.

Cambodia says the truce allows people to return home, work fields, and bring children back to school. But both sides still blame each other for starting the conflict. They have also accused each other of spreading false information.

The pact includes plans for joint demining in the border zone. Thailand says at least ten soldiers have been injured this year by what it claims are new Cambodian mines. Both nations agreed to stop using land mines and to follow global rules.

Malaysia welcomed the agreement and said restraint is needed to protect civilians. But Thai officials warned that trust remains low. They said Cambodia must show it will stop firing and avoid new threats. If not, the deal may fall apart quickly.

The new Thailand Cambodia ceasefire gives both sides a chance to halt the cycle of violence. It also opens a path for talks that could ease years of tension. But officials admit the next few days will show if peace can hold.

Info at your fingertips-

Q1: What does the Thailand Cambodia ceasefire include?

It stops troop movements, airstrikes, and military flights. It also requires both sides to reduce tensions and join demining efforts.

Q2: When did the ceasefire start?

The truce began at noon on Saturday. Both nations agreed to hold fire at the same moment.

Q3: How many people were affected by the fighting?

Officials say hundreds of thousands fled their homes. Dozens of civilians and soldiers were killed on both sides.

Q4: Will Cambodia get its captured soldiers back?

Yes, Thailand will return 18 soldiers if the truce holds for 72 hours. This is part of the new agreement.

Q5: Who supported the ceasefire talks?

Malaysia, China, the United States, and the United Nations pushed for renewed peace. They urged both sides to avoid more fighting.

Trusted Sources: AP News, Reuters, BBC News