1 Million Displaced: Thailand and Cambodia Agree to Immediate Border Ceasefire

The guns have finally fallen silent along one of Southeast Asia's most volatile borders. Thailand and Cambodia agreed to an immediate ceasefire on December 27, 2025, seeking to end weeks of deadly clashes that have displaced nearly 1 million people. The announcement came after a high-stakes meeting between defense ministers at a border checkpoint in Chanthaburi province.

Halting a Month of Hostilities

According to Reuters, the conflict has claimed at least 41 lives over the past few weeks. The situation reached a breaking point on Friday when the Thai Air Force conducted air strikes on disputed regions, which Cambodia labeled as "indiscriminate attacks" on civilians. The joint statement released today mandates a freeze on all troop movements and allows civilians to finally return to their homes.

As part of the de-escalation terms, the ceasefire took effect at 12:00 noon local time. If the peace holds for 72 hours, Thailand has committed to releasing 18 Cambodian soldiers currently in custody. Both nations have pledged to avoid any unprovoked firing or advancement toward each other's positions.

The Trump Connection and Regional Stability

The breakthrough is seen as a revival of the "Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords" signed in October during a ceremony attended by US President Donald Trump. That fragile agreement collapsed in November when Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul paused the deal, citing persistent security threats. This latest truce represents a desperate attempt to salvage regional stability.

Historical disputes over the Preah Vihear border region date back more than a century, but tensions have surged this year. Following deadly incidents in May and July, the conflict has evolved into a significant humanitarian crisis, testing the diplomatic resolve of both Southeast Asian neighbors and international mediators.