Thailand and Cambodia sign 72-hour ceasefire agreement
Thailand and Cambodia agree to a temporary truce under the Kuala Lumpur framework, with ASEAN observers present.
Thailand and Cambodia have formally agreed to a 72-hour ceasefire following high-level talks held under the framework of the General Border Committee (GBC), marking a temporary pause in hostilities along the disputed border areas. The agreement follows the principles outlined in the Kuala Lumpur Joint Agreement and is tied to a proposal involving the possible release of 18 Cambodian soldiers currently detained by Thai authorities.
The GBC meeting took place at 10am on December 27 at the Ban Phak Kad permanent border checkpoint in Pong Nam Ron district, Chanthaburi province. Thailand’s delegation was led by Defense Minister Gen Natthaphol Nakpanich, who traveled to the border site to oversee the discussions in person. The meeting reflected heightened diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions after recent clashes along the frontier.
Cambodia was represented by Defense Minister Gen Tea Seha, accompanied by senior officials from the GBC secretariat. The Thai side included Lt Gen Natthapong Prawkaew, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Royal Thai Armed Forces. Cambodia’s delegation also featured Maj Gen Yem Boraden, Deputy Head of the Cambodian Defense Ministry Office. Officials from both sides described the talks as focused and direct, with the meeting lasting approximately 30 minutes.
Following the discussions, Thai and Cambodian representatives signed a joint statement confirming the ceasefire and setting out areas for continued cooperation. The statement reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to the Kuala Lumpur Joint Agreement signed on October 26, 2025, which serves as the current diplomatic framework for managing border tensions and military coordination.
According to officials familiar with the talks, Cambodia formally proposed the 72-hour cessation of hostilities in exchange for Thailand’s consideration of releasing 18 Cambodian soldiers who were captured during earlier confrontations. The proposal had been discussed prior to the meeting at the GBC secretariat level, allowing negotiators to move quickly toward a written agreement during the formal session.
The meeting was observed by a delegation of ASEAN military monitors, underscoring regional concern over stability along the Thai–Cambodian border. The observer mission was led by Brig Gen Samsul Rizal bin Musa, Malaysia’s Military Attaché to Thailand, who is serving as head of the ASEAN observer delegation. Observers were present throughout the proceedings to ensure transparency and to report back to ASEAN member states.
While the ceasefire is limited to 72 hours, officials on both sides indicated that it is intended to create space for further dialogue and confidence-building measures. Security agencies will continue to monitor the border closely during the truce period. Both governments stated that maintaining regional stability and preventing further escalation remain top priorities as discussions continue. Source Khaosod
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