Thailand accuses Cambodia of ceasefire breach
A ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, brokered on Monday to end a deadly border conflict, came under immediate strain overnight as Thai forces accused Cambodia of violating the terms of the truce.
The two South Asian nations have been embroiled in a territorial dispute rooted in colonial-era demarcation issues, with tensions flaring in late May and escalating into armed clashes last week. Malaysia played a key role in mediating the agreement to prevent further violence.
On Tuesday morning, Thailand’s military claimed that its troops had upheld the ceasefire, while Cambodian forces carried out “disturbances and weapon attacks in multiple areas.” Thai Army spokesperson Winthai Suvaree condemned the alleged breaches and said Thai troops had responded with “appropriate retaliatory measures under the legitimate right of self-defense.”
Cambodia dismissed the accusations. Military spokesperson Maly Socheata said Cambodian troops “have strictly adhered to the orders and agreements under the ceasefire.”
As stipulated in the truce, military commanders from both sides met Tuesday morning, though no details about the outcome were immediately released. A joint border committee is expected to convene next week.
Both Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting prime minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, reiterated their commitment to a peaceful resolution.
The clashes claimed at least 37 lives, including civilians, and displaced hundreds of thousands from communities along the contested border. During the ceasefire announcement in Putrajaya, both leaders thanked US President Donald Trump and the Chinese government for their roles in facilitating the agreement.
Trump earlier stated that he used trade negotiations with both countries as leverage to push for deescalation.
