Representatives from the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Border Committee (GBC) this morning signed a joint statement, reaffirming their commitment to fully implement a ceasefire. Both sides agreed to work towards peace, stability, and security for residents living along the border area. Forces from both countries pledged to refrain from unprovoked firing, not advance, deploy, or move forces close to the other side's positions.

"Vietnam welcomes Cambodia and Thailand's signing of a joint statement, agreeing to a ceasefire and measures to de-escalate tensions along their shared border," said Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Pham Thu Hang, when asked for Vietnam's reaction to the development.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Pham Thu Hang. Photo: BNG

Hang affirmed Vietnam's belief that Cambodia and Thailand will effectively implement the agreement and continue negotiations to peacefully resolve disputes. This resolution will be based on fundamental principles of international law, the United Nations Charter, the ASEAN Charter, the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), and in the spirit of ASEAN friendship and solidarity, for the long-term benefit of both sides and the region.

Vietnam will continue to closely monitor the situation and remains ready to engage in discussions with both Cambodia and Thailand. It will also participate in ASEAN's efforts to resolve disagreements between the two countries, including enhancing the effectiveness of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT).

The ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand took effect today at 12h.

Thai Defense Minister Nattaphon Narkphanit stated that the border situation will be monitored for 72h after the agreement's signing. He declared that if the Cambodian side "demonstrates goodwill and no incidents occur" during this period, both parties will continue to clarify the agreement's details.

Nattaphon noted that fighting in some areas has ceased. He also stated that the Thai military is capable of holding 99% of the areas it controls. Bangkok's current priority is to ensure security in key areas directly impacting its people and sovereignty.

The agreement helps end the fighting that erupted between the two countries over the past three weeks. The conflict resulted in at least 23 deaths in Thailand and 30 in Cambodia, with over 900,000 residents displaced in both countries.

Nguyen Tien