Thailand and Cambodia agree on ceasefire to end weeks of deadly fighting

Thailand and Cambodia Sign Ceasefire Agreement, Ending Weeks of Border Clashes

A ceasefire agreement has been signed by Thailand and Cambodia, bringing an end to weeks of deadly clashes along the border between the two Southeast Asian nations. The agreement, which was reached after talks aimed at resolving the conflict, has resulted in over 100 deaths and more than half a million displaced civilians.

The joint statement issued by the Thai and Cambodian defense ministers on Saturday stated that both sides agree to an immediate ceasefire, effective immediately upon signing of the document. The agreement also includes provisions for maintaining current troop deployments without further movement, and extends to all types of weapons and attacks on civilians, military objectives, and infrastructures.

According to reports from Al Jazeera’s Assed Baig, who was present at the border city of Poipet in Cambodia, the ceasefire has taken effect, with both sides adhering to the truce. However, concerns remain about the fragility of the agreement, as Baig noted that intense firing had occurred just before the ceasefire was implemented.

As part of the deal, Thailand has agreed to return 18 Cambodian soldiers captured during previous clashes within 72 hours of the ceasefire being fully maintained. The two countries have also agreed to refrain from taking provocative actions and avoid disseminating false information in order to de-escalate tensions.

A team of observers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will monitor the implementation of the agreement, which includes provisions for maintaining open communication between the two countries to resolve any issues on the ground. The success of the truce is seen as crucial, particularly for hundreds of thousands of displaced civilians who are unlikely to return home until their safety is ensured.

The agreement marks an end to 20 days of fighting, the worst between Thailand and Cambodia in years.

Source: Al Jazeera