Thailand and Cambodia have signed a new ceasefire agreement aimed at resolving ongoing military conflicts over disputed territories. This significant development occurred on Saturday during the 3rd special meeting of the General Boundary Committee (GBC), where Thai Defence Minister General Natthaphon Narkphanit and Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Tea Seiha jointly announced the terms of the agreement.
The ceasefire, which takes effect from noon on December 27, 2025, represents a reaffirmation of a previous ceasefire established in July 2023. The latest agreement outlines 16 de-escalation measures intended to stabilize the region and prevent further military confrontations.
Key Provisions of the Agreement
Among the principal provisions, the agreement mandates an immediate halt to all hostilities. In line with the terms established in October 2023, Thailand will return 18 Cambodian soldiers within 72 hours of the ceasefire being in place. Additionally, the agreement includes restrictions on troop movements and commitments from both nations to refrain from provocative military actions. It also emphasizes cooperative efforts in humanitarian demining.
Both parties have reaffirmed their obligations under the 1997 Ottawa Treaty, which prohibits the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines. This commitment is crucial given the history of landmines in the border area, which have posed significant dangers to civilians.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, currently serving as the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), welcomed the ceasefire. He stated, “The decision to halt fighting and to hold forces in place reflects a shared recognition that restraint is required, above all in the interest of civilians.” His remarks highlight the humanitarian implications of the ongoing conflict.
Historical Context of the Dispute
The long-standing border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia traces back to colonial-era mappings established by the Franco-Siamese treaties of 1907. These treaties ambiguously defined boundaries between Thailand and the territories that were then part of French Indochina, now modern-day Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos.
A significant focal point of the tensions is the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple. In 2013, the International Court of Justice ruled that the temple belongs to Cambodia, a decision reaffirmed in further proceedings. While Thailand officially recognizes Cambodian ownership of ancient Khmer temples, nationalistic sentiments among some Thai citizens continue to fuel tensions.
Recent escalations have resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with reports indicating that at least 40 civilians have been killed or wounded and around 800,000 people displaced due to the conflict. A ceasefire brokered by the United States and Malaysia in November 2023 followed a landmine incident that injured two Thai soldiers, highlighting the urgent need for a lasting resolution.
The Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on December 22, 2023 issued a Chair’s Statement calling for an immediate end to hostilities and a return to diplomatic negotiations, emphasizing the role of the ASEAN Observer Team in monitoring the situation.
This ceasefire agreement marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to address the complexities of the Thailand-Cambodia border dispute. As both nations work towards stability, the international community will be watching closely to see how these commitments are implemented in the coming months.
