The Thai Minister of Defense confirmed that the signing of the GBC agreement between Thailand and Cambodia resulted in a joint statement agreeing on an official ceasefire effective immediately at noon today (27 Dec 2025). Both sides will keep their military forces in their current locations and monitor the situation for 72 hours.
On 27 December 2025, Gen. Natthaphon Nakpanich, Thailand's Minister of Defense and government representative, spoke after the signing between Thailand and Cambodia at the permanent crossing point at Ban Phak Kad. He said he chaired the third special meeting of the GBC alongside Gen. Tea Seiha, Cambodia’s Minister of Defense and government representative, at the Red Point in Ban Phak Kad, Chanthaburi Province. Throughout the recent border clashes, the government and military acted under clear, unchanging principles: to protect sovereignty, public safety, and national honor. He frankly stated the current situation began with Cambodian forces opening fire, causing Thai casualties and injuries. Consequently, the Thai military responded in self-defense in accordance with international law and strict global standards. Thailand established three conditions for a genuine, lasting ceasefire.
1. There must be an official and sincere ceasefire declaration. Cambodia declared a ceasefire at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ meeting starting 22 December at 10:00 PM unconditionally. However, Thailand believes sustainable justice requires both sides to engage in sincere dialogue. This led to today's GBC meeting to draft a joint statement between Thailand and Cambodia as a key framework for resolving bilateral issues genuinely.
2. The ceasefire must be real and continuous. Both sides agreed to cease fire starting at 12:00 PM today (27 Dec 2025). Crucially, both must maintain their troops in current areas without any repositioning or reinforcements, and refrain from attacks or provocations. They will observe the ceasefire for 72 hours to ensure it is genuine and sustained. Once calm is restored, civilians can safely return home, followed by the release of all 18 captured Cambodian soldiers, in accordance with international norms ending hostilities.
3. There must be sincere intent to resolve the landmine issue, a humanitarian concern the government has always prioritized. Both sides agreed on approaches to reduce tensions and established a clear operational mechanism via a joint humanitarian mine clearance task force to ensure systematic, safe, and transparent work. It was emphasized that mine clearance must precede boundary demarcation in the next phase.
According to military reports, the armed forces have secured key terrain affecting civilians as planned. The sacrifice of Thai soldiers must not be in vain. Simultaneously, strategic factors such as the economy, international image, and legitimacy are considered. Importantly, as commander and former soldier, he is deeply aware that soldiers understand defending the nation is their highest duty and honor, even at the cost of their lives.
The mechanisms to implement the joint statement include ASEAN observers as a regional security cooperation tool, bilateral border coordination offices at the local level, and direct hotline communication at the policy level between defense ministers and top military commanders of both countries. If necessary, the top leaders of both sides will jointly address issues on the ground. Additionally, both parties’ communication teams will work closely to prevent misinformation and fake news, providing accurate information to the public. It is acknowledged that misinformation has complicated resolution efforts at all levels.
Beyond the three conditions for a genuine, sustained ceasefire, the joint statement upholds key elements of prior Thailand-Cambodia agreements and compliance with the Ottawa Convention, as well as efforts to combat transnational crime, cybercrime, and human trafficking, which must continue.
Regarding the Thai people, he understands their anger and concern for the country. The government has never overlooked these feelings or taken past losses lightly. He expressed deepest condolences to the troops and families affected by injuries and deaths. Their sacrifices are not mere statistics but a direct responsibility of the government to ensure rights, welfare, compensation, care for the injured, and long-term family support. Care for personnel will be seriously considered following thorough review.
He reaffirmed to the public and all troops that this ceasefire opens the opportunity to resolve issues peacefully through diplomatic means and renewed cooperation. The government and military will closely monitor every step based on facts, upholding sovereignty, national dignity, safety, and the normal lives of the people.