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Ceasefire under strain after drone incident
Thailand's armed forces have accused Cambodia of violating a newly brokered ceasefire by launching over 250 unmanned aerial vehicles from its territory late Sunday, just hours after the truce took effect.
Terms of the fragile agreement
The ceasefire, which began at noon local time on Saturday (05:00 GMT), was reached following weeks of negotiations. Both nations agreed to freeze current front lines, prohibit troop reinforcements, and facilitate the return of nearly one million displaced civilians to border areas.
Diplomatic pressure from China and the United States helped secure the deal, which was initially hailed as a breakthrough after days of high-level talks.
Thailand threatens response over violations
In a statement released Monday, the Royal Thai Army condemned the drone flights as "provocative" and "inconsistent" with the ceasefire terms, warning they could undermine efforts to de-escalate tensions.
The military also indicated it might "reconsider" the planned release of 18 Cambodian soldiers detained in Thailand since July, adding that further violations of sovereignty could force Thailand to "act accordingly."
Cambodia downplays incident as minor
Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn dismissed the drone activity as a "small issue" observed by both sides along the border, according to AFP. The remarks contrasted sharply with Thailand's characterization of the event.
International reactions have been cautiously optimistic. Earlier Monday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called the ceasefire "hard-won," while U.S. President Donald Trump praised its "rapid and fair conclusion."
Decades-old dispute reignites
The latest flare-up traces back to a long-standing territorial conflict, exacerbated earlier this year when a group of Cambodian women sang patriotic songs at a contested temple. The incident escalated tensions, culminating in a May clash that killed a Cambodian soldier and plunged bilateral relations to their lowest point in over a decade.
Five days of heavy fighting in December left dozens dead and thousands displaced before the current ceasefire was negotiated. A previous truce, signed in October after a July agreement, collapsed earlier this month amid mutual recriminations over its breakdown.
Uncertain path forward
Analysts warn the ceasefire remains fragile, with both sides quick to assign blame for violations. The Thai military's stern response to the drone incident underscores the challenges in maintaining the truce amid deep-seated mistrust.
