Tensions remain high along the frontline ahead of the proposed "72-hour ceasefire" expected to start on 27 Dec 2025. Thai forces suffered 3 casualties while Cambodia heavily fired BM-21 rockets after presenting a "Draft Amendment to Agreement No. 6" at the negotiation table. The draft was submitted during talks.
The fighting between Thailand and Cambodia in late December 2025 intensified significantly before the scheduled "72-hour ceasefire" agreement, set to begin on 27 Dec 2025. Key details of the events are as follows.
On 26 Dec 2025, just one day before the ceasefire, the Eastern Command implemented a strategy to seize three important strategic locations in Sa Kaeo Province, leading to intense clashes:
• Nong Jan Village, Khok Sung District, Sa Kaeo: This was the heaviest clash point. Cambodian forces continuously shelled with artillery and grenade launchers and launched multiple BM-21 rocket salvos against Thai frontline positions.
• Khlong Phaeng Village, Ta Phraya District: Reinforcements and fortifications were strengthened to prepare for attacks.
• Nong Ya Kaeo Village, Khok Sung District: Clashes and return fire occurred to control sovereign territory.
The 1st Army Area confirmed that three Thai soldiers were killed in action at the Nong Jan battlefield in Sa Kaeo during the evening of 26 Dec around 17:00. The soldiers' names are as follows:
1. Sergeant Major Pongsakorn Nakthongdee (affiliated with 2nd Infantry Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, Royal Thai Army).
2. Private Patiphat Sornpradit (affiliated with 2nd Infantry Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, Royal Thai Army).
3. Private Thiwawan Pholyiem (affiliated with 2nd Infantry Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, Royal Thai Army).
• Military: Cambodia asserts claims over overlapping territory and uses heavy weapons (BM-21 rocket launchers and artillery) to counter Thai advances.
• Diplomatic: Cambodia proposed the "Draft Amendment to Agreement No. 6" during the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting in Chanthaburi Province and was the first to announce a ceasefire proposal at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' meeting in Malaysia, aiming to reduce international pressure.
• Claims: Cambodia often accuses Thailand of initiating attacks first and claims its operations are to defend its own territory.
• The ceasefire is pending negotiation and is hoped to take effect from 27 Dec 2025 to monitor the situation and foster a conducive atmosphere for talks (a temporary peace).
• In Sa Kaeo Province, over 18,000 civilians have been evacuated to 40 temporary shelters to ensure safety while awaiting clarity on the ceasefire.