BANGKOK, Thailand — Thailand has accused neighboring Cambodia of violating a ceasefire just hours after it came into effect, threatening fragile peace efforts following five days of deadly border clashes.
The Thai military stated on Tuesday that it halted its operations shortly after midnight, in accordance with the ceasefire terms, but claimed Cambodian forces continued firing at “multiple locations” across the disputed border area.
In contrast, Cambodia’s Ministry of Defense told AFP that “no armed clashes” had occurred since the truce began, despite accusations from Thailand.
The ceasefire, agreed upon late Monday, aimed to end a week of violence that has already claimed at least 33 lives and forced thousands of civilians to flee their homes. The two nations have been locked in a long-running dispute over sections of their shared border, particularly around the historic 11th-century Preah Vihear temple.
On Tuesday, military commanders from both countries met as part of the truce’s implementation plan. They agreed to cease gunfire, freeze troop movements on the frontline, and allow the retrieval of deceased personnel.
Escalating Tensions
Border tensions flared again in May after a Cambodian soldier was killed during a confrontation. Hostilities intensified further last week when five Thai soldiers were injured by a landmine, prompting Thailand to close border crossings, expel Cambodia’s ambassador, and recall its envoy from Phnom Penh.
By Thursday, Cambodia had launched multiple rocket attacks into Thai territory, killing several civilians. The violence escalated over the weekend, with airstrikes, artillery fire, and civilian evacuations on both sides of the border.
Despite the violence, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said the situation had “eased” by Tuesday morning, noting that the frontlines had calmed since the ceasefire deadline.
High-Stakes Diplomacy
The truce was brokered during a meeting in Malaysia between Hun Manet and Thai counterpart Phumtham Wechayachai, facilitated by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The agreement includes provisions for independent monitoring to prevent future clashes.
Cambodia, believed to be militarily outgunned, had pushed for the ceasefire. Thailand was initially hesitant until U.S. President Donald Trump intervened, threatening to suspend trade negotiations unless the two countries ceased hostilities.
Decades of Dispute
Border conflicts between Thailand and Cambodia are rooted in longstanding disagreements over land claims and historical landmarks. In 2008, tensions spiked when Cambodia sought UNESCO status for the Preah Vihear temple, which sits in a disputed zone.
Over the years, both nations have imposed trade and border restrictions, with military buildups becoming routine. In recent months, Cambodia banned imports from Thailand—including fruits, electricity, and internet services—while both sides fortified their border positions.
As of now, the success of the ceasefire remains uncertain, with conflicting accounts from each side and a fragile peace hanging in the balance.
