Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to a 72-hour ceasefire along their disputed border, effective from noon local time on December 27, 2025, in a bid to halt three weeks of intense fighting that has claimed dozens of lives and displaced nearly one million people. The agreement emerged from the ongoing General Border Committee (GBC) meeting, with Thai officials expressing hope that successful implementation could lead to longer-term peace measures.
The ceasefire commitment includes halting all armed hostilities, avoiding unprovoked fire, troop advances, or movements toward opposing positions. It applies across the entire border, protecting military targets, civilians, and infrastructure. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul indicated that if the 72-hour truce holds, Thailand would consider repatriating Cambodian prisoners of war—a key demand from Phnom Penh.
The GBC talks, involving military officials from both sides, began on December 24, 2025, at a border checkpoint in Thailand's Chanthaburi province and continued through December 26-27. Defense ministers were expected to join for a potential formal signing on December 27. Despite the diplomatic progress, clashes persisted, with reports of Thai air strikes and Cambodian artillery exchanges on December 26.
The renewed violence erupted on December 7-8, 2025, violating a fragile ceasefire brokered in October 2025 by Malaysia and U.S. President Donald Trump after deadly July clashes. Casualty figures vary: Thailand reports at least 26 soldiers and civilians killed, while Cambodia cites 31 civilian deaths. Combined estimates suggest around 80-100 fatalities and massive displacement, with hundreds of thousands evacuated on both sides.
Rooted in colonial-era border demarcations and disputes over ancient temples like Preah Vihear, the conflict has seen artillery, rockets, air strikes, and ground engagements. Both nations accuse each other of aggression, with Thailand claiming self-defense against incursions and Cambodia alleging indiscriminate attacks on civilians.
Regional efforts, including ASEAN foreign ministers' meetings in Kuala Lumpur on December 22, urged de-escalation and welcomed the GBC revival. The U.S. and China have also pressed for restraint.
As the 72-hour truce begins, observers watch closely for compliance, amid fears that violations could derail fragile gains.
