Thailand and Cambodia sign new ceasefire agreement to end border fighting

Published: Saturday, December 27, 2025 at 6:50 am

Thailand and Cambodia Sign Ceasefire to End Border Conflict

BANGKOK – Thailand and Cambodia have reached a new ceasefire agreement aimed at ending weeks of armed conflict along their shared border. The agreement, which took effect at noon local time on Saturday, was signed by the defense ministers of both nations following three days of talks.

The agreement mandates an immediate cessation of hostilities and prohibits further military movements or airspace violations by either side. The deal also outlines the repatriation of 18 Cambodian soldiers held as prisoners by Thailand since earlier fighting in July, a key demand of Cambodia.

The new ceasefire builds upon previous agreements, including one brokered in July and formalized in October. Despite these earlier efforts, tensions persisted, leading to escalating violence in early December.

The recent fighting has resulted in significant casualties. Thailand has reported 26 military and one civilian deaths, along with 44 civilian deaths from related effects. Cambodia has reported 30 civilian deaths and 90 injuries. Hundreds of thousands of people have been evacuated from the affected border regions.

The agreement also addresses several key issues. It calls for adherence to international agreements regarding landmines, a significant concern for Thailand. Additionally, the agreement includes measures to resume border demarcation efforts and cooperate on suppressing transnational crimes, particularly online scams, which have become a major issue in the region.

BNN's Perspective: While this ceasefire agreement is a positive step towards de-escalation, the history of broken agreements and continued tensions suggests that sustained peace will require diligent monitoring and commitment from both sides. The involvement of international bodies and continued dialogue will be crucial to ensuring the long-term stability of the border region.

Keywords: Thailand, Cambodia, ceasefire, border conflict, military, agreement, casualties, landmines, transnational crime, defense ministers, armed combat, repatriation, de-escalation, airspace violations, border demarcation

Full Story