Thailand, Cambodia agree to cease border clashes, halt troop movements

A complete ceasefire had already been observed across the border, demonstrating a shared commitment of Thailand and Cambodia to reducing tensions and advancing towards sincere military dialogue.

Bangkok (VNA) - The Royal Thai Army (RTA) confirmed on July 29 afternoon that clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border have come to a halt.

This follows a mutual agreement by military commanders in all three key border zones to enforce a ceasefire and halt troop movements ahead of the upcoming General Border Committee (GBC) meeting on August 4, Thailand's The Nation reported.

RTA spokesman Major General Vinthai Suwaree announced the outcome of trilateral military discussions held at 10am on July 29 across the three key zones.

The first discussion involved representatives from Thailand's First Army Region and Cambodia's Fifth Military Region at the permanent Khlong Luek border checkpoint in Aranyaprathet district, Sa Kaeo province. It was led by the commander of Thailand’s First Army Region. Both sides agreed to refrain from troop movements to reduce suspicion and maintain stability while awaiting the GBC meeting. Additionally, commanders at all levels have been authorised to communicate directly in case of urgent situations.

The second discussion brought together Thailand's Second Army Region and Cambodia's Fourth Military Region at the Chong Chom checkpoint in Kap Choeng district, Surin province. The meeting was led by the Thai Second Army Region commander. Key topics included an immediate ceasefire, a ban on force or weapons use against civilians, a freeze on reinforcement or repositioning of troops to avoid misunderstandings, and facilitation for the return of the injured and deceased. They concurred to these terms and established a joint coordination team of four personnel from each side to address urgent issues and prevent further incidents.

The third discussion was held between Chanthaburi-Trat Border Defence Force and Cambodia’s Third Military Region. It was chaired by the commander of the Chanthaburi-Trat Border Defence Force. The agreement mirrored the terms reached in the First Army Region meeting, reaffirming shared goals for de-escalation.

Vinthai added that a complete ceasefire had already been observed across the border, demonstrating a shared commitment to reducing tensions and advancing towards sincere military dialogue./.

VNA