Thailand and Cambodia agree to temporary ceasefire

A ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia went into effect from noon on Dec 27 and will remain valid for 72 hours, with Thailand promising to release Cambodian prisoners of war, according to a joint statement to ceasefire signed by Thailand and Cambodia on Saturday morning.

The agreement was signed by defense ministers from both sides in Pong Nam Ron District, Chanthaburi Province of Thailand during a meeting of the Thai–Cambodian General Border Committee (GBC).

The meeting lasted approximately 30 minutes and was observed by the ASEAN Observe Team.

Both sides agreed to an immediate ceasefire at 12:00 pm (local time) on Saturday, involving all types of weapons, including attacks on civilians, civilian objects and infrastructures, and military objectives on either side, in all cases and all areas.

"Both sides must avoid unprovoked firing or advancement or movement of troops towards the other side's positions or troops," the statement said. "This agreement must not be violated under any circumstances."

It also noted that both sides agree to maintain current troop deployments without further movement. There shall be no troop movements, including patrols toward the other side's position.

As part of the agreement, Cambodia accepted a proposal to implement a 72-hour ceasefire, in exchange for Thailand repatriating 18 Cambodian soldiers held as prisoners of war, as previously discussed at the secretariat level.

Also, the two nations agreed not to increase forces along the entire Cambodia-Thailand border and not to undertake provocative actions that may escalate tensions.

Moreover, they will allow civilians residing in the affected border areas to return to their homes and normal livelihoods — safely and with dignity — in areas within their own side.