Thailand and Cambodia signed a ceasefire agreement Saturday to halt weeks of armed conflict. The deal aims to end fighting over disputed territory along their border. The ceasefire took effect at noon local time.

The agreement, signed in Chanthaburi Province, Thailand, demands no further military movements. Airspace violations for military purposes are also prohibited. Cambodian officials reported Thai airstrikes hit Cambodian sites Saturday morning. Thailand is obligated to return 18 Cambodian soldiers after 72 hours of ceasefire adherence.

The immediate impact should be a cessation of hostilities. Both nations are expected to uphold the terms. Monitoring mechanisms may be implemented to ensure compliance.

Border disputes between Thailand and Cambodia have persisted for years. Competing claims to territory fuel the tensions. This agreement represents an attempt to de-escalate the situation.

Next steps involve verifying the ceasefire's durability. Further negotiations on the underlying territorial disputes are anticipated. The international community will likely monitor the situation closely.