A ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia has officially come into force, bringing a halt to weeks of deadly fighting that displaced nearly one million people and reignited long-standing tensions along their shared border.
The truce, announced early Friday, follows intense diplomatic efforts involving regional partners after hostilities escalated earlier this month when a previous ceasefire collapsed. The renewed fighting left dozens dead, forced mass evacuations in border communities, and raised fears of a wider regional crisis.
According to officials from both countries, the ceasefire agreement includes an immediate halt to all military operations, the withdrawal of heavy weaponry from flashpoint areas, and the establishment of monitoring mechanisms to prevent further violations. Military commanders on both sides have been instructed to stand down and maintain communication channels to manage any incidents swiftly.
The clashes were concentrated around disputed border areas, where unresolved territorial claims have periodically sparked violence despite years of negotiations. Civilians bore the brunt of the fighting, with entire villages emptied as residents fled artillery fire and air strikes. Temporary shelters in both Thailand and Cambodia have been stretched, with humanitarian agencies warning of food shortages and health risks for displaced families.
Regional bodies, including ASEAN, welcomed the ceasefire and urged both governments to commit to sustained dialogue. Diplomatic sources say talks are expected to continue in the coming days, focusing on border demarcation, troop disengagement, and the safe return of displaced civilians.
While the ceasefire has eased immediate fears of further bloodshed, analysts caution that it remains fragile. Previous truces have failed due to mistrust and unresolved political and territorial issues. Observers say lasting peace will depend on consistent enforcement of the agreement and genuine political will on both sides.
For now, calm has returned to much of the border, allowing humanitarian access to affected areas and offering a measure of relief to communities that have endured weeks of fear and displacement.
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