News Desk
BANGKOK: Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to a 72-hour temporary ceasefire in an effort to halt escalating border clashes that have claimed dozens of lives, officials said on Sunday.
According to a news agency report, authorities from both countries committed to suspending all armed activities during the ceasefire period. The agreement applies across the entire border region and covers military targets, civilian populations and critical infrastructure.
In a joint statement, the two sides said the ceasefire was intended to de-escalate tensions and create space for further dialogue. Thailand and Cambodia also agreed to cooperate in countering sabotage, cybercrime and other cross-border security threats, signaling a broader effort to stabilize relations.
The border violence had resumed on 8 December after a period of relative calm, with clashes involving heavy weapons reported in several contested areas. Officials said at least 99 people have been killed since the fighting reignited, raising concerns about a wider escalation.
The dispute stems from long-standing disagreements over poorly demarcated stretches of the border, which have periodically sparked armed confrontations between the two neighbors.
Regional observers have urged restraint, warning that continued violence could further destabilize an already fragile security environment. While the ceasefire is temporary, diplomatic sources said it was being viewed as a crucial first step towards preventing further loss of life and restoring calm along the border.
