Border Violence Continues Despite Ceasefire Agreement Claims
Intense fighting erupted Saturday morning along the Thailand-Cambodia border, despite U.S. President Trump’s assertion that both nations had agreed to a ceasefire. However, Thai officials rejected this claim, and Cambodia has remained silent on the matter. Reports indicated that Thai aircraft launched airstrikes early Saturday.
Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow commented that some of Trump’s statements did not accurately reflect the situation. He expressed disappointment, stating, “We are proud to be the oldest treaty ally of the United States in the region.”
The recent clashes were sparked by a skirmish on December 7, which resulted in injuries to two Thai soldiers and disrupted a previous ceasefire facilitated by President Trump. This ceasefire had ended earlier combat in July connected to long-standing territorial disputes.
The July truce was negotiated by Malaysia with pressure from Trump, who threatened trade sanctions against both countries. A more detailed agreement was later formalized in October at a regional meeting in Malaysia attended by Trump.
This past week’s conflict has officially claimed around two dozen lives, while hundreds of thousands have been displaced from both sides of the border. The Thai military has reported 11 of its soldiers killed, estimating that around 165 Cambodian soldiers have died, though Cambodia has not confirmed its military casualties.
On Friday, Trump announced a fresh agreement to revive the ceasefire after discussions with both Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. However, Anutin clarified that peace would depend on Cambodia’s cessation of hostilities.
In a statement made early Saturday, Prime Minister Hun Manet did not mention a ceasefire but acknowledged phone calls with Trump and Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. He expressed Cambodia’s readiness to cooperate for lasting peace. Meanwhile, Thailand continues its airstrikes targeting military sites, while Cambodia has launched BM-21 rockets, which have caused damage but not significant casualties.
