Thailand, Cambodia Sign 72-Hour Ceasefire Agreement
Is Thailand defending sovereignty against Cambodian aggression, or is Cambodia securing peace against Thai bad faith attacks?
Above: General Tea Seiha (R) at the Ban Pakkad Border Checkpoint, following ceasefire talks, on Dec. 27, 2025. Image credit: Daniel Ceng/Anadolu/Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
This ceasefire marks a pivotal step toward lasting peace in the border region. It halts deadly clashes, facilitates the return of 18 Cambodian POWs and freezes troop positions, allowing civilians to safely return home. It fosters dialogue under the Thai-Cambodian General Border Committee, potentially resolving longstanding disputes and boosting regional stability.
Narrative B
This so-called ceasefire is a fragile band-aid on deep-seated border tensions, unlikely to hold amid ongoing aggression. Even as talks proceeded, Thailand bombed a Cambodian village, highlighting distrust. Tied to POW releases, it ignores root causes like territorial claims, risking renewed violence once the brief pause expires and undermining true reconciliation efforts.