Bangkok says ceasefire with Cambodia not a surrender

Thailand has emphasised that the truce it signed with Cambodia, which came into effect at noon yesterday, does not constitute surrender of or a retreat from Thailand’s security responsibilities.

In a statement, it said the arrangement is, conversely, a demonstration of strength exercised with restraint and wisdom, aimed at establishing the truth, safeguarding national interests and building sustainable peace.

The agreement was reached “without compromising Thailand’s sovereignty, security or national dignity,” said the statement, issued by the Joint Press Centre on the Thailand-Cambodia Border Situation.

The accord does not adversely affect Thailand’s dignity or sovereignty. The statement said all decisions are made with sovereignty, public safety and national dignity as the highest priorities.

Thailand has agreed to a ‘conditional truce’, to test the other party’s sincerity, according to the statement.

“This pause in hostilities provides as a strategic timeframe in which to determine whether the other side can genuinely cease the use of force and threats,” reads the statement.

Should the arrangement fail to materialise or be violated, Thailand retains its legitimate right to self-defence under international law. Any use of force by Thailand will remain governed by the principles of necessity, proportionality and the paramount objective of protecting civilians.

The Thai government emphasised that the losses of soldiers and civilians are not mere statistics, adding its commitment to providing welfare, compensation and continued support for the families of those who lost their lives or were injured.

The statement, which was released in the form of a Q&A, addressed the question of why Thailand did not immediately agree to the ceasefire, as previously announced by Cambodia.

The answer was that “a genuine cessation of hostilities must be based on a formal and mutual agreement, not a unilateral declaration. Thailand firmly believes that stability must be measured by actual behaviour on the ground, not by words or statements.”

The arrangement, which took effect at noon on December 27th, 2025, includes maintaining forces at their current positions, with no movement or reinforcement, and refraining from any attacks, provocations or threats against one another.

The situation will be monitored for at least 72 hours, to confirm that the pause is genuine and continuous.

Asked whether the agreement means Thailand trusts Cambodia, the answer stated that this is not a matter of trust, but of verifying sincerity.

The answer continued “Thailand has consistently maintained that the end of hostility must be demonstrated through actions, not words.”

Both countries have agreed to conduct mine clearance, through the Joint Coordinating Task Force (JCTF), and implement operations in a systematic, transparent and safe manner, ensuring the safety of affected areas before proceeding with future survey and boundary demarcation processes.

To verify facts and reduce the risk of misunderstandings, monitoring and verification will be carried out through multiple mechanisms, including ASEAN observers and the Thailand-Cambodia Border Coordination Offices.