Fighting Persists Amid Conflicting Claims of a Truce
Fighting between Thailand and Cambodia continued into Saturday despite an announcement by the United States that both sides had agreed to a renewed ceasefire, underscoring the fragility of diplomatic efforts to halt the escalating border conflict.
On Friday, December 12, US President Donald Trump stated on social media that he had spoken with the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia and that both countries had agreed to return to an “original Peace Accord” brokered earlier this year. According to the US announcement, the renewed truce was intended to stop hostilities and stabilize the long-disputed border region.
However, reports from the ground quickly contradicted the claim. Military activity was reported along the border into Saturday morning, with both countries accusing the other of launching fresh attacks.
Thailand Rejects Ceasefire Claim
Thailand’s Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, publicly disputed the US assertion that a ceasefire had been agreed upon. He stated that during his conversation with President Trump, Thailand made clear that military operations would continue until Cambodia halted its actions, withdrew its forces from contested areas, and removed landmines allegedly placed near the border.
Thai officials maintain that continued military pressure is necessary to prevent further attacks and to protect civilian populations in nearby provinces. The Thai military has acknowledged casualties among its troops and insists its actions are defensive in nature.
Cambodia Reports Airstrikes
Cambodia’s defense ministry reported that Thai F-16 fighter jets conducted airstrikes early Saturday, targeting areas near the disputed frontier. While Cambodia has not directly addressed the US claim of a renewed ceasefire, it accused Thailand of ongoing aggression and of undermining diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions.
Cambodian authorities have also reported civilian casualties, alleging that Thai military operations have affected populated areas. Phnom Penh has called for greater international scrutiny of the conflict and renewed diplomatic engagement.
Escalation Following a Broken Truce
The current wave of violence follows a breakdown of a previous ceasefire brokered in October, which itself came after a five-day conflict in July. That earlier agreement unraveled after a skirmish on December 7, triggering renewed fighting and rapid escalation along the border.
Since then, dozens of people have reportedly been killed on both sides, and hundreds of thousands of civilians have been displaced from border regions. Temporary shelters have been established in both countries as families flee areas affected by shelling and airstrikes.
Heavy Weapons and Civilian Impact
Thailand has confirmed the use of F-16 fighter jets in strikes it says are aimed at Cambodian military positions. Cambodian forces, meanwhile, have reportedly deployed BM-21 rocket launchers, which Thai officials claim have struck residential areas, causing damage to homes and infrastructure.
The use of heavy weaponry has raised concerns about civilian safety and the risk of a wider regional crisis if hostilities continue unchecked.
Roots of the Dispute
The conflict stems from a long-standing territorial dispute along the Thai–Cambodian border, much of which was originally mapped during French colonial rule over Cambodia. Ambiguities in those historical maps have fueled decades of tension, periodic clashes, and diplomatic standoffs.
Despite repeated attempts at mediation by regional and international actors, a durable resolution has remained elusive.
Uncertain Path Forward
With both governments issuing contradictory statements and fighting continuing on the ground, the effectiveness of the US-announced ceasefire remains in doubt. Observers warn that without clear, mutually agreed terms and international monitoring, the risk of further escalation remains high.
For now, civilians along the border continue to bear the brunt of a conflict that shows few signs of immediate resolution.
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