Thailand and Cambodia Ink Ceasefire to End Border Conflict

Thailand and Cambodia have reached a ceasefire agreement to bring an end to their recent border conflict, which has persisted for weeks. The ceasefire took effect on Saturday at noon local time and aims to halt military operations and any violations of airspace for military purposes.

Key Details of the Ceasefire Agreement

The ceasefire agreement includes several critical provisions:

• The cessation of hostilities between Thailand and Cambodia.
• A ban on military movements across the border.
• Prohibition of airspace violations for military activities.
• Thailand is required to repatriate 18 Cambodian soldiers detained since July after a 72-hour period of maintaining the ceasefire.

This return of soldiers has been a crucial demand from the Cambodian government. The agreement seeks to build upon a previous ceasefire established after five days of conflict in July, which also included follow-up measures.

Background of the Conflict

The discord between the two nations arose from competing territorial claims, resulting in increasing hostilities along the border. Thailand had employed airstrikes during the recent fighting, striking locations in Cambodia as late as Saturday morning, according to information from Cambodia’s Defence Ministry.

International Reactions and Involvement

China welcomed the ceasefire and announced that its Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, would meet with his Cambodian and Thai counterparts in the upcoming days. This meeting in Yunnan province aims to facilitate communication between the two nations and reinforce the ceasefire.

China’s Foreign Affairs Ministry emphasized the importance of dialogue in resolving disputes and expressed its commitment to support Cambodia and Thailand in rebuilding trust and ensuring regional stability.

Previous Diplomatic Efforts

The initial ceasefire in July was facilitated by Malaysia with significant pressure from the United States. President Donald Trump had threatened to withdraw trade privileges if the nations did not come to an agreement. Following the July ceasefire, further details were solidified during a regional meeting in Malaysia in October. Despite these agreements, tensions persisted, leading to escalating violence that peaked in early December.

As the ceasefire unfolds, stakeholders hope that the agreement will lead to lasting peace and improved relations between Thailand and Cambodia.