Bangkok: Thailand has accused Cambodia of “deliberately” violating a ceasefire agreement that was reached by both nations on Monday. The ceasefire aimed at ending border clashes that have resulted in at least 33 fatalities and displaced thousands of people.
According to BBC, the ceasefire began on shaky grounds as Thailand reported that despite halting their fire after midnight, Cambodian forces continued to engage in gunfire at multiple locations until the morning. The conflict, which escalated last week following a landmine explosion injuring five Thai soldiers, led to Thailand closing some border crossings, expelling the Cambodian ambassador, and recalling its own ambassador from Phnom Penh.
The situation intensified last Thursday when Cambodia launched multiple rockets into Thailand, resulting in civilian casualties. The following days saw more civilian deaths and mass evacuations, with tens of thousands seeking refuge in shelters. Intense exchanges of fire persisted until midnight on Monday, the stipulated deadline for the ceasefire, with Thailand conducting air strikes on Cambodian positions.
On Tuesday morning, prior to Thailand’s allegations of ceasefire violations, Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet stated that the “frontlines have eased” since midnight. The ceasefire agreement requires both countries to withdraw their armies and accept independent monitoring to prevent further outbreaks of violence.
The ceasefire was brokered during a meeting between Hun Manet and his Thai counterpart Phumtham Wechayachai in Malaysia, facilitated by its leader Anwar Ibrahim. Cambodia, which is militarily outgunned, advocated for the ceasefire, with its leader describing the meeting as “very good.” Initially hesitant to negotiate, Thailand agreed to talks after US President Donald Trump threatened to suspend tariff negotiations unless the conflict ceased.
Relations between Thailand and Cambodia have been strained since 2008 when Cambodia attempted to register an 11th Century temple in the disputed area as a Unesco World Heritage Site, prompting protests from Thailand. Sporadic clashes over the years have resulted in casualties on both sides. The current escalation began in May, marking the lowest point in the bilateral relationship in over a decade. In recent months, both nations have imposed border restrictions and bolstered troop presence along their shared border.