Thailand has accused Cambodia of deliberately violating a ceasefire agreement aimed at ending five days of deadly cross-border clashes that have left at least 33 people dead and displaced thousands.
The ceasefire, which came into effect at midnight on Monday, was intended to halt ongoing hostilities along the two nations’ shared border. However, the Thai military reported continued gunfire from the Cambodian side at multiple locations well into Tuesday morning, despite ceasing its own operations after the agreed-upon deadline.
In contrast, Cambodia’s Ministry of Defence told AFP that there had been “no armed clashes” since the ceasefire took effect.
Despite these conflicting claims, local commanders from both sides convened on Tuesday as part of the truce arrangements. During the meeting, they reaffirmed their commitment to cease hostilities, halt troop movements along the frontline, and permit each side to recover fallen personnel.
Tensions Rooted in a Longstanding Dispute
The latest escalation in violence follows renewed tensions stemming from a decades-old territorial dispute. In May, a Cambodian soldier was killed in a clash near the contested border, intensifying hostilities. The situation worsened last week when five Thai soldiers were wounded in a landmine explosion.
Subsequently, Thailand closed several border crossings, expelled the Cambodian ambassador, and recalled its own envoy from Phnom Penh. After the two sides exchanged fire last Thursday, Cambodia launched multiple rocket attacks into Thailand, resulting in civilian casualties.
Over the following days, both countries suffered additional civilian losses, and tens of thousands of residents were evacuated to emergency shelters. Heavy exchanges, including Thai airstrikes on Cambodian positions, continued right up to the ceasefire deadline at midnight on Monday.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet declared on Tuesday morning that conditions along the frontline had “eased” since the ceasefire began. Nonetheless, tensions remain high, with accusations and skepticism clouding the fragile agreement.
Regional Mediation and International Pressure
Under the ceasefire terms, both sides agreed to withdraw their forces and accept independent monitoring to prevent further conflict. The ceasefire was reached during a meeting in Malaysia between Hun Manet and Thai Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. The talks were brokered by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Cambodia, outgunned in the ongoing conflict, had been actively seeking a diplomatic resolution. Prime Minister Hun Manet described the meeting as "very good" and expressed optimism about the ceasefire’s potential to restore calm.
Thailand, initially hesitant to engage in negotiations, agreed to talks following pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned that trade negotiations with Thailand would be suspended unless the fighting ceased.
A Conflict Decades in the Making
Tensions between the two Southeast Asian neighbors trace back to 2008, when Cambodia attempted to register an 11th-century temple located in the disputed border area as a UNESCO World Heritage Site—a move strongly opposed by Thailand. Sporadic clashes have occurred since, resulting in military and civilian casualties on both sides.
In recent months, diplomatic relations have deteriorated further. Cambodia has imposed import bans on Thai goods, including fruits, vegetables, electricity, and internet services. Both nations have also significantly increased their military presence along the border.
As of now, the situation remains tense, and the success of the ceasefire largely depends on mutual restraint and effective third-party monitoring.
Source:The Ghana Report
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