Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an immediate ceasefire, halting weeks of intense border fighting that marked the worst violence between the two Southeast Asian neighbors in years.

In a joint statement, the two governments said the truce would take effect at noon local time and apply across all contested areas, covering military targets, civilian infrastructure, and populated zones.

Both sides committed to maintaining current troop deployments without further movement, warning that any reinforcement would heighten tensions and undermine efforts to resolve the dispute.

The agreement followed sustained diplomatic pressure from regional actors and renewed talks after earlier attempts at de-escalation collapsed.

Airpower and Artillery Use

The fighting lasted roughly 20 days and included exchanges of rocket fire, artillery barrages, and the use of airpower. Cambodia accused Thailand of deploying F-16 fighter jets, saying four bombs were dropped on a target in Serei Saophoan, followed by another strike in Chok Chey village where 40 bombs were reportedly used.

Thailand confirmed some air operations, saying they targeted fortified military positions after civilians had left the area.

Despite ceasefire talks, Cambodia said at least one airstrike occurred on the day negotiations were underway, underscoring the fragility of the truce before the agreement was finalized.

Civilian Toll and Displacement

The conflict exacted a heavy humanitarian cost. Officials said more than 100 people were killed during the clashes, while over 500,000 civilians were displaced from border areas on both sides.

Thailand reported the deaths of 26 soldiers and one civilian, along with 44 civilian deaths from collateral effects. Cambodia said 30 civilians were killed and 90 injured, though it did not release military casualty figures.

Hundreds of thousands of residents were evacuated as fighting spread across multiple sectors of the disputed frontier, which stretches 817 kilometers and includes several undemarcated zones.

Mediation Without Resolution

The ceasefire includes provisions for the return of displaced civilians and cooperation on demining and cybercrime. Thailand said it would release 18 Cambodian soldiers held since earlier clashes if the truce holds for 72 hours.

Observers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are expected to monitor compliance alongside direct military-to-military coordination.

While the agreement pauses active hostilities, it leaves the core sovereignty dispute unresolved. Thailand and Cambodia have contested sections of their shared border for more than a century, with periodic flare-ups despite repeated mediation efforts.