Thailand and Cambodia clinch immediate ceasefire after weeks of clashes
Thailand and Cambodia clinch immediate ceasefire after weeks of clashes
After weeks of deadly border clashes, a joint statement backs an immediate ceasefire, with heavy weapons withdrawal and an observer mission.
Thailand and Cambodia have announced an immediate ceasefire to end weeks of deadly clashes along their shared border, in a joint statement signed by Thai Defence Minister Natthaphon Nakrphanit and Cambodia's Tea Seiha. The agreement calls for a return to de-escalation and the withdrawal of heavy weapons from the disputed region, along with the creation of an interim observer team to monitor compliance.
The fighting has exacted a heavy toll: at least 101 people killed and more than half a million displaced on both sides, according to tolls cited by officials.
The talks come after a period of intensified violence that included Cambodia accusing Thailand of indiscriminate attacks and a pledge by both sides to halt offensive operations. Regional mediators, including the United States and Malaysia, have previously pushed for peace, with the talks being tied to a framework that observers called the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords.
The earlier Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords had required withdrawal of heavy weapons and monitoring; Thailand suspended it in November after Thai soldiers were injured by landmines, noting the security threat had not decreased.
The latest accord follows days of negotiations at border crossings and reflects renewed diplomacy with U.S. and regional mediation. Officials emphasized that the ceasefire is fragile and will depend on continued talks and monitoring. They urged civilians to stay away from border areas.
