Thailand and Cambodia have reached a significant ceasefire agreement to end weeks of military conflict over disputed border territories. On Saturday, both nations’ representatives signed the joint agreement during the 3rd Special Meeting of the General Boundary Committee (GBC). The pact reaffirms a previous ceasefire established in July and outlines a series of 16 de-escalation measures aimed at stabilizing the region.
The agreement includes a critical provision for an immediate halt to all hostilities, effective from noon on December 27, 2025. Additionally, in line with an earlier understanding from October 2023, Thailand will return 18 Cambodian soldiers within 72 hours of the sustained ceasefire.
Key Provisions of the Ceasefire Agreement
The ceasefire agreement outlines several essential provisions designed to reduce tensions. These measures include restrictions on troop movements, commitments to avoid provocative actions, and collaborative efforts on humanitarian demining. Both countries reaffirmed their obligations under the Ottawa Treaty, which bans the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, as the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), welcomed the ceasefire, stating, “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 underscore the importance of diplomatic efforts in addressing the humanitarian situation resulting from the conflict.
Background of the Border Dispute
The longstanding border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia can be traced back to colonial-era agreements, particularly the Franco-Siamese treaties of 1907, which ambiguously defined the boundaries between Thailand and French Indochina, now known as Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand. A significant flashpoint in this conflict is the ancient Preah Vihear temple, which the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in favor of Cambodia in 1962, a decision later reaffirmed in 2013.
While Thailand recognizes Cambodian ownership of historical sites like Preah Vihear, nationalist sentiments among some segments of the Thai population have led to ongoing tensions, with claims of historical ties to the temple.
The recent escalation of the conflict was notably marked by a ceasefire brokered by the United States and Malaysia in November 2023, following a landmine incident that injured two Thai soldiers. This incident exacerbated an already precarious humanitarian crisis, resulting in approximately 40 civilian casualties and forcing over 800,000 people to flee the conflict zone.
In response to the escalating violence, the ASEAN Chair’s Statement at the Special Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on December 22, 2023, called for an immediate end to hostilities and a return to diplomatic negotiations, supported by the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT).
This new ceasefire agreement marks a hopeful turn in the protracted border dispute, presenting an opportunity for both nations to stabilize the region and address the humanitarian needs created by the conflict. As the situation develops, the commitment to peace and cooperation will be crucial for ensuring a lasting resolution.
