Thailand on Wednesday accused Cambodia of a “flagrant violation” of a truce deal aimed at ending cross-border fighting, following an overnight attack by Cambodian troops along the border despite both nations agreeing to a ceasefire that began on Tuesday. The ceasefire came after five days of clashes that resulted in at least 43 deaths on both sides.
Thailand’s foreign ministry reported that its troops in Sisaket province faced small arms fire and grenade assaults from Cambodian forces, that reportedly continued until Wednesday morning. A foreign ministry statement emphasized, “This represents a flagrant violation of the ceasefire agreement.”
Current Situation on the Border
Thai government spokesman Jirayu Huangsab confirmed the overnight clashes but stated that “the Thai side maintained control of the situation. General conditions along the border are reported to be normal.”
Meanwhile, Cambodia has denied any breach of the truce, which aimed to end fighting that has displaced over 300,000 people from the border region.
At a temple in Thailand’s Surin city, which serves as a shelter and field kitchen, volunteer Thanin Kittiworranun expressed concern for evacuees. The 65-year-old stated, “We don’t believe Cambodia will hold the ceasefire.” However, an AFP journalist on the Cambodian side reported no artillery blasts between the start of the truce and Wednesday morning.
International Involvement
Meanwhile, China announced that Deputy Foreign Minister Sun Weidong hosted a meeting with Thai and Cambodian officials in Shanghai, with both nations reaffirming their commitment to the ceasefire consensus during this meeting.
The armistice began with tension on Tuesday morning, as Thailand accused Cambodia of continuing attacks which represented “a clear attempt to undermine mutual trust.” Despite this, peace generally prevailed throughout the day. Meetings between rival commanders along the border proceeded as planned, with Thailand’s army announcing de-escalation steps including a halt on troop reinforcements or movements that could lead to misunderstandings.
Warnings of Instability
However, Maratee Nalita Andamo, a spokeswoman for Bangkok’s border crisis center, cautioned that “the situation is still fragile” in the early days of the ceasefire. The recent flare-up has resulted in the deaths of at least 15 Thai troops and 15 Thai civilians. In contrast, Cambodia has confirmed only eight civilian and five military deaths.
This recent violence has surpassed the death toll of 28 from conflicts that occurred sporadically between 2008 and 2011, with the territorial dispute stems from a vague demarcation established by Cambodia’s French colonial administrators in 1907. The peace pact was finalized in Malaysia following intervention from US President Donald Trump, who both Thailand and Cambodia are courting for a trade deal to avoid significant tariffs.
