Thailand and Cambodia have formally agreed to a new ceasefire, aiming to put an end to several weeks of intense armed clashes along their shared border. The agreement, which came into force at noon local time on Saturday, 27 December 2025, addresses a long-standing territorial dispute that recently escalated into open combat.
Key Terms of the Ceasefire Pact
The newly inked agreement mandates an immediate cessation of all hostilities between the two Southeast Asian nations. Crucially, it forbids any further military movements by either side and explicitly prohibits violations of each other's airspace for military purposes. This clause holds particular significance as, according to a prior statement from Cambodia's defence ministry, Thailand had employed airstrikes as recently as Saturday morning, just hours before the ceasefire took effect.
Prisoner Release and Major Demands Met
A central component of the deal involves the fate of 18 Cambodian soldiers. The agreement stipulates that Thailand will repatriate these prisoners after the ceasefire has been fully maintained for 72 hours. The soldiers had been held since earlier fighting in July, and their release had been a primary objective for Cambodian negotiators throughout the talks.
Path to De-escalation
This diplomatic breakthrough follows weeks of sustained conflict that raised concerns regionally. The successful implementation of this ceasefire now provides a critical window for further diplomatic engagement. Both nations will be closely monitored to ensure compliance with the terms, particularly the strict adherence to the no-fly zone and the halt of troop movements. The hope is that this agreement will lay the groundwork for a more permanent resolution to the underlying territorial claims that have fuelled tensions for decades.
