Thailand, Cambodia Agree to Truce

Thailand and Cambodia agreed to an “immediate” ceasefire on Saturday, pledging in a joint statement to end heavy border clashes that have killed at least 47 people and displaced more than a million.

The truce took effect after a declaration signed by the neighbors’ defense ministers at a border checkpoint on the Thai side. The agreement applies to “all types of weapons, including attacks on civilians, civilian objects and infrastructures, and military objectives of either side, in all cases and all areas”.

The three weeks of fighting, which utilized artillery, tanks, drones and jets, had spread to nearly every border province. 

Under the terms of the deal, both sides agreed to freeze troop movements and allow civilians in border areas to return home. 

The nations also pledged to cooperate on demining efforts and combating cybercrime. Additionally, Thailand agreed to return 18 captured Cambodian soldiers within 72 hours. (AFP)