The ongoing conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has now escalated tensions following accusations from Thailand that Cambodia violated a newly minted ceasefire agreement.
Thailand and Cambodia Clash Over Ceasefire Allegations
Thailand and Cambodia Clash Over Ceasefire Allegations
Authorities in Thailand claim Cambodia has broken a recently established ceasefire meant to end violent border clashes.
14 hours ago, Thailand alleged that Cambodia deliberately violated a ceasefire agreed upon just hours earlier to halt border hostilities that have resulted in the deaths of at least 33 individuals and displaced thousands. This ceasefire was intended to cease five days of intense bombardments and rocket exchanges along their contentious border.
The Thai military confirmed it had stopped its fire at midnight but claimed to have continued hearing gunfire from Cambodian forces "at multiple locations" up until the morning hours. In contrast, Cambodia's defense ministry dismissed these allegations, stating to the AFP news agency that “no armed clashes” had taken place since the ceasefire commenced.
Despite the accusations, coordination meetings between local commanders of both nations were held on Tuesday as part of the ceasefire arrangement. Agreements were reached to cease hostilities, stop troop movements near the frontline, and facilitate the retrieval of the deceased.
The long-standing tensions over the disputed border further escalated in May when a Cambodian soldier was killed, leading to a series of conflicts that saw injuries on both sides. Following a landmine incident that injured five Thai soldiers, Thailand suspended border crossings, expelled the Cambodian ambassador, and recalled its own from Cambodia.
In the days leading up to the ceasefire, the situation worsened, culminating in rockets fired from Cambodia into Thai territory, resulting in civilian casualties. As the fighting continued unabated until the ceasefire deadline on Monday, Thailand increased its air strikes on Cambodian positions.
On Tuesday morning, prior to Thailand's allegations, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet remarked that "the frontlines have eased" since the ceasefire took effect. The ceasefire agreement includes provisions for both nations to withdraw troops and allow for independent monitoring to deter any renewed fighting.
Following a meeting in Malaysia, where Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai agreed to a ceasefire after U.S. President Donald Trump urged negotiations to resolve the conflict, both leaders expressed optimism over the talks.
The escalating tensions trace back decades, significantly worsening in 2008 when Cambodia attempted to register a controversial temple as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inciting protests from Thailand. Continuous minor clashes over the years have resulted in casualties on both sides, leading to mutual border restrictions in recent months.
The Thai military confirmed it had stopped its fire at midnight but claimed to have continued hearing gunfire from Cambodian forces "at multiple locations" up until the morning hours. In contrast, Cambodia's defense ministry dismissed these allegations, stating to the AFP news agency that “no armed clashes” had taken place since the ceasefire commenced.
Despite the accusations, coordination meetings between local commanders of both nations were held on Tuesday as part of the ceasefire arrangement. Agreements were reached to cease hostilities, stop troop movements near the frontline, and facilitate the retrieval of the deceased.
The long-standing tensions over the disputed border further escalated in May when a Cambodian soldier was killed, leading to a series of conflicts that saw injuries on both sides. Following a landmine incident that injured five Thai soldiers, Thailand suspended border crossings, expelled the Cambodian ambassador, and recalled its own from Cambodia.
In the days leading up to the ceasefire, the situation worsened, culminating in rockets fired from Cambodia into Thai territory, resulting in civilian casualties. As the fighting continued unabated until the ceasefire deadline on Monday, Thailand increased its air strikes on Cambodian positions.
On Tuesday morning, prior to Thailand's allegations, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet remarked that "the frontlines have eased" since the ceasefire took effect. The ceasefire agreement includes provisions for both nations to withdraw troops and allow for independent monitoring to deter any renewed fighting.
Following a meeting in Malaysia, where Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai agreed to a ceasefire after U.S. President Donald Trump urged negotiations to resolve the conflict, both leaders expressed optimism over the talks.
The escalating tensions trace back decades, significantly worsening in 2008 when Cambodia attempted to register a controversial temple as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inciting protests from Thailand. Continuous minor clashes over the years have resulted in casualties on both sides, leading to mutual border restrictions in recent months.
