SURIN, Thailand (AP) — Intense fighting has erupted along the border of Thailand and Cambodia despite claims by U.S. President Donald Trump, acting as a mediator, who stated that he secured a ceasefire agreement from both nations. Thai officials have refuted Trump’s assertion, stating they did not agree to a ceasefire, and Cambodia's defense ministry reported that Thai airstrikes occurred Saturday morning. The conflicting reports have left the situation in disarray, with Cambodian media covering Trump’s claims without further context.
Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow expressed disappointment over Trump's remarks, indicating that they did not accurately reflect the on-ground realities. He emphasized Thailand's pride in being the United States’ oldest treaty ally in the region and expressed regret over how Trump's comments influenced Thai public sentiment.
The recent surge in violence can be traced back to a skirmish on December 7, which resulted in injuries to two Thai soldiers and disrupted a newly established ceasefire that had earlier ended five days of fighting in July, prompted by longstanding territorial disputes. The ceasefire announced in July had been brokered by Malaysia under pressure from Trump, who threatened to withdraw trade privileges unless an agreement was reached. This ceasefire was further detailed in an October meeting in Malaysia attended by Trump.
In the ongoing clashes, approximately two dozen fatalities have been officially reported this past week, with hundreds of thousands displaced on both sides of the border. The Thai military has acknowledged the deaths of 11 of its troops and estimates around 165 Cambodian soldiers as casualties. While Cambodia has not disclosed military losses, it has reported at least 11 civilian deaths and 76 injuries from the conflict.
On Friday, after discussions with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Trump announced a renewed ceasefire agreement. He claimed, “They have agreed to CEASE all shooting effective this evening, and go back to the original Peace Accord made with me, and them, with the help of the Great Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim.” However, Anutin later asserted that Thailand would continue fighting until Cambodia ceases its attacks, directly contradicting Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, in his early Saturday comments, refrained from mentioning any agreement regarding a ceasefire. He acknowledged his communications with Trump and Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, thanking both for their efforts to achieve lasting peace between the two countries. Hun stated, “Cambodia is ready to cooperate in any way that is needed.”
As hostilities continue, Thailand has been engaged in airstrikes primarily targeting military installations, while Cambodia has retaliated using medium-range BM-21 rocket launchers. These launchers, capable of firing up to 40 rockets simultaneously with ranges of 30-40 kilometers (19-25 miles), have wreaked havoc in the conflict zones, although they have not resulted in significant casualties. Reports indicate that some rockets have landed in civilian areas, as evidenced by injuries sustained by two civilians in Sisaket province while seeking shelter from incoming fire.
As the situation remains volatile, the lack of consensus between the involved parties and the discrepancies in communication underscore the challenges faced in resolving the escalating conflict along the Thailand-Cambodia border.
