BANGKOK — Thailand and Cambodia have signed a ceasefire agreement on Saturday, aiming to put an end to weeks of escalating border conflicts driven by territorial disputes. The ceasefire, which will take effect at noon, mandates a halt to military movements and prohibits airspace violations for military purposes.
Despite the ceasefire agreement, airstrikes have been carried out by Thailand, with recent reports indicating strikes on Cambodian territories even on the morning prior to the signing. The Cambodian Defense Ministry highlighted these ongoing military actions, which highlight the fragility of the recent diplomatic efforts.
A key component of the agreement includes the commitment from Thailand to repatriate 18 Cambodian soldiers who have been held as prisoners since earlier skirmishes in July, contingent on the ceasefire holding for 72 hours. The release of these soldiers has been a pivotal demand from Cambodia in the negotiations.
The ceasefire was formalized during a meeting between the defense ministers of both nations, Cambodia’s Tea Seiha and Thailand’s Nattaphon Narkphanit, at a border checkpoint. This agreement follows a series of discussions aimed at lowering tensions and has been seen as a continuation of efforts initiated under a previous ceasefire brokered by Malaysia, which was supported by U.S. diplomatic pressure in 2020.
Officials from both countries have continued to exchange allegations regarding the conflict, including accusations of land mines being laid by Cambodian forces, which resulted in serious injuries for Thai soldiers. The ceasefire agreement also emphasizes compliance with international land mine protocols, addressing a significant concern for both nations.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed this move toward peace, urging both countries to honor the agreement fully. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also commended the ceasefire, calling it a vital step toward alleviating civilian distress and fostering lasting peace. Guterres expressed gratitude for the involvement of Malaysia, China, and the United States in facilitating dialogue and conflict resolution.
Following the signing, civilians displaced due to the fighting expressed hope for a return to normalcy. Cambodia’s Defense Minister stated that the ceasefire would allow displaced populations to return home and rebuild their lives.
The agreement incorporates several clauses aimed at preventing misinformation and cooperation against transnational crime, particularly in relation to scams that have proliferated in the region.
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, crucial in negotiating the initial ceasefire, underscored the importance of restraint and the need to prioritize the safety and well-being of civilians during these turbulent times.
While this ceasefire agreement is seen as a semblance of hope for restoration of peace, its success hinges on genuine cooperation and trust from both sides, particularly concerning military conduct in the border regions.