Following weeks of deadly clashes, Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an “immediate” ceasefire, effective december 27th, in an effort to de-escalate a conflict that has displaced over half a million people and resulted in at least 101 fatalities[[1]][[2]].The agreement, signed by both nations’ defense ministers, aims to resolve a long-standing border dispute originating from colonial-era demarcation issues[[1]]. This latest truce arrives after a previous attempt, partially brokered by the United States in 2025, ultimately failed to hold[[3]].
Thailand and Cambodia agreed to an “immediate ceasefire” in their escalating border conflict on Saturday, according to a joint statement released by the Cambodian government. The agreement comes after weeks of intense fighting that has displaced hundreds of thousands and raised regional concerns.
The ceasefire took effect at 12:00 p.m. local time (5:00 a.m. GMT) on December 27, 2025, the statement said. Both nations have committed to allowing civilians displaced by the conflict to return home “as soon as possible, without obstacles and with full safety and dignity.”
In addition to the ceasefire, the agreement outlines several steps to de-escalate tensions, including freezing military positions, initiating demining operations in the border areas, and increasing police cooperation to combat cybercrime. Bangkok also agreed to release 18 Cambodian soldiers within 72 hours of the ceasefire taking effect.
Defense Ministers Sign Ceasefire Agreement
The truce was signed by Thai Defense Minister Natthaphon Nakrphanit and his Cambodian counterpart, Tea Seiha, bringing an end to 20 days of clashes that have resulted in at least 101 deaths and the displacement of more than half a million people on both sides of the border.
The long-standing border dispute between the Southeast Asian neighbors stems from a decades-old disagreement over the demarcation of their 800-kilometer frontier, a boundary originally established during the colonial era. This conflict underscores the lingering territorial issues that continue to shape regional dynamics.
Recent fighting represents the most serious escalation in years between the two countries, involving the deployment of fighter jets, rocket fire, and artillery exchanges.
The renewed clashes erupted earlier in December after a previous ceasefire, brokered in part by then-U.S. President Donald Trump, fell apart in July.
