Thailand and Cambodia Enforce 72-Hour ASEAN‑Monitored Ceasefire

Overview

• Both governments ordered an immediate halt to all fire across the contact line at noon on December 27 with a pledge not to move or reinforce forces during the 72-hour window.
• ASEAN military observers are monitoring the truce, which also requires avoidance of provocations and applies to attacks on civilians, civilian infrastructure and military targets.
• Bangkok and Phnom Penh reaffirmed work under prior border mechanisms to resume boundary research and demarcation and to cooperate on humanitarian demining consistent with the Ottawa Convention.
• Thailand agreed to release 18 Cambodian prisoners if the ceasefire holds through the 72-hour period, as international actors welcomed the deal, with the U.S. urging implementation and China offering support to ASEAN monitors and humanitarian aid.
• Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said the pause is not a capitulation and emphasized protecting citizens, as officials reported at least 23 Thai military deaths and 31 Cambodian civilian deaths, with outside estimates citing more than 100 fatalities and over half a million displaced.