Thailand and Cambodia Sign Another Ceasefire, Ending Conflict

Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to another ceasefire to end their weekslong conflict after breaking the previous agreement.

The two countries confirmed their commitment to the new deal on Saturday after several days of negotiations, hoping to end the border skirmishes that had been continuing for weeks. The conflicts killed at least 101 people and displaced hundreds of thousands of others, sparking chaos across the region.

The agreement – brokered by Malaysia, China, and the US – will see an immediate halt of all strikes and other violent, armed encounters, and Thailand will return 18 Cambodian military members who have been in Thai custody since conflicts earlier this year.

Chinese officials are also set to meet with the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia today and tomorrow in the Chinese province of Yunnan, helping to "resume exchanges" and "rebuild political trust" for the future.

Thailand and Cambodia have argued over borders for years, particularly surrounding several Khmer temples that both countries wish to possess. In July, tensions quickly rose after skirmishes at the border, escalating into full-blown battles involving tanks and missile strikes.

A ceasefire was later brokered by Malaysia, and economic pressure from United States President Donald Trump later pushed the deal through, but it did not last long. Both countries accused each other of violating the agreement, and by December, the conflict had escalated again.

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Image credit to AFP