Thailand has launched airstrikes along its border with Cambodia amid escalating tensions and mutual accusations of aggression, raising concerns about the stability of a ceasefire brokered by former President Trump.
Thailand conducted airstrikes along its disputed border with Cambodia late Monday, escalating tensions between the two nations as both sides accused each other of initiating violence. This development raises significant doubts about the sustainability of a ceasefire that was negotiated by former President Donald Trump.
Thai military officials reported that Cambodian troops opened fire in several locations along the frontier, resulting in the death of one Thai soldier and injuries to others. In response, the Thai army evacuated civilians from nearby communities as the situation intensified. Major General Winthai Suvaree stated that Cambodian forces fired first into Thai territory, prompting the airstrikes aimed at “military targets in several areas to suppress Cambodian supporting fire attacks.”
However, Cambodia rejected this narrative. Maly Socheata, a spokesperson for the Cambodian Defense Ministry, claimed that Thai forces were the aggressors and stated that Cambodia did not retaliate during the initial exchange. The ministry has called for Thailand to cease its military actions.
Footage released by Cambodia’s Education Ministry depicted students leaving schools near the border, as families hurried to retrieve their children amid the escalating conflict.
This latest escalation follows a smaller exchange of fire that occurred on Sunday, during which Thailand reported that two of its soldiers were wounded. Thai troops responded for approximately 20 minutes, while Cambodia maintained that Thailand initiated that encounter and did not return fire.
Tensions have persisted despite a ceasefire agreement reached in October, which aimed to end five days of fighting in July that resulted in numerous casualties among soldiers and civilians. The ceasefire has shown signs of strain, particularly last month when several Thai soldiers were injured by land mines in contested areas. Following this incident, the Thai government announced a suspension of certain aspects of the ceasefire agreement.
Both Thailand and Cambodia have continued to blame each other for violations of the ceasefire, even as the agreement called for cooperation on mine removal and measures to stabilize the border region.
The historical context of the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia dates back centuries, rooted in rival kingdoms that vied for influence. In contemporary times, disputes have primarily revolved around French colonial-era border maps, which Thailand contends are inaccurate.
Despite the October ceasefire, neither country has achieved a resolution to the underlying territorial dispute. Regional observers have expressed concerns that renewed clashes could lead the two nations closer to a broader conflict unless diplomatic efforts are revitalized.
According to The Associated Press, the situation remains fluid as both nations navigate the complexities of their long-standing territorial issues.