Thailand and Cambodia have reached an immediate ceasefire agreement to end weeks of violent border clashes that have resulted in over 100 deaths and displaced more than half a million people. The ceasefire will take effect on Saturday at noon local time, as both nations aim to halt hostilities and restore peace along their contested border.

Ceasefire Agreement Details
In a joint statement issued by the defense ministers of both countries, the ceasefire is set to encompass all forms of weaponry, including those targeting civilians and infrastructure. The ministers emphasized the importance of maintaining current troop deployments without further movements, to prevent escalating tensions. Cambodia's defense ministry warned that any reinforcement of troops could negatively impact ongoing efforts to resolve the conflict.

The agreement was signed by Thai Defense Minister Natthaphon Narkphanit and Cambodian Defense Minister Tea Seiha, concluding 20 days of intense fighting characterized by airstrikes, rocket exchanges, and artillery bombardments. Despite the ceasefire announcement, reports emerged of continued military activity, including airstrikes conducted by Thailand on Cambodian territory.

Casualties and Displacement
The conflict has claimed the lives of 26 Thai soldiers and one civilian, with an additional 44 civilian deaths attributed to collateral damage. Cambodian authorities have reported 30 civilian fatalities and 90 injuries, although no official military casualty figures have been released. The violence has led to the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of residents from both sides of the border, highlighting the humanitarian crisis resulting from the clashes.

Historical Context of the Conflict
The root of the current tensions lies in longstanding territorial disputes between Thailand and Cambodia. These disputes flared into open conflict in late July, following a fragile ceasefire mediated by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and supported by pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump. Renewed hostilities broke out in early December, leading to the recent escalation of violence.

Future Cooperation
As part of the ceasefire agreement, both nations have also committed to collaborate on demining efforts and combatting cybercrime, indicating a willingness to address underlying issues beyond the immediate military conflict. This cooperation could pave the way for more stable relations in the future.

Wrap-up
The ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia marks a critical step towards alleviating the humanitarian crisis and restoring peace along their border. As both nations navigate the complexities of their historical disputes, the international community will be watching closely to see if this agreement can lead to lasting stability in the region.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team