Thailand – Cambodia Ceasefire Takes Effect After Weeks of Border Fighting

A ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia has come into force along their disputed border, following nearly three weeks of clashes that displaced close to one million people.

The truce took effect at 12:00 local time (05:00 GMT) on Saturday, according to a joint statement issued by the defence ministers of both countries.

Under the agreement, forces on both sides will freeze front lines at current positions, halt reinforcements, and allow civilians to return to border areas as soon as conditions permit.

The statement also said that once the ceasefire holds for 72 hours, 18 Cambodian soldiers detained by Thailand since July will be released.

The agreement follows several days of negotiations aimed at de-escalating the conflict, with diplomatic encouragement from China and the United States, officials said.

Fighting along sections of the Thailand–Cambodia border had intensified in recent weeks, prompting mass civilian displacement and raising regional concern. The ceasefire marks the first coordinated step by both governments to stabilise the situation and ease humanitarian pressures in affected communities.

Officials from both sides said monitoring mechanisms would be put in place to ensure compliance with the agreement as displaced residents begin preparations to return home.