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Border violence erupts, leaving ten dead
At least three Thai soldiers and seven Cambodian civilians have died since Monday in renewed fighting along the disputed frontier, shattering a fragile truce brokered by former US President Donald Trump.
Ceasefire unravels within weeks
The October accord, signed in Kuala Lumpur under Trump's mediation, unraveled rapidly. Thailand suspended the deal in November, citing persistent security threats. Fighting resumed in December, with both sides trading blame for the latest escalation.
Under the terms of the agreement, heavy weapons were to be withdrawn and an interim observer team established. Instead, Thailand launched airstrikes and accused Cambodia of deploying rocket launchers and drones.
Century-old dispute reignites
The roots of the conflict stretch back to colonial-era border demarcations following France's occupation of Cambodia. Tensions flared in 2008 when Cambodia sought UNESCO World Heritage status for an 11th-century temple in the contested zone, sparking Thai protests.
Sporadic clashes have since claimed lives on both sides. Bilateral relations hit a decade-low in May after a Cambodian soldier was killed, prompting trade restrictions and troop buildups along the frontier.
Conflicting narratives emerge
Thailand's military reported responding to Cambodian fire in Ubon Ratchathani province on Monday, alleging the use of multiple-rocket launchers and bomb-dropping drones. Airstrikes targeted military positions, with rockets reportedly striking civilian areas.
"Cambodian soldiers opened fire at 08:20, forcing our troops to retaliate,"
Thai National Security Council spokesman
Cambodia's defense ministry countered that Thai forces initiated the violence in Preah Vihear province, advancing on a border temple and deploying drones. A spokesperson accused Thailand of indiscriminate fire into civilian zones.
"Thai soldiers pre-emptively attacked at 08:46, leaving us no choice but to defend ourselves."
Maly Socheata, Cambodian Ministry of National Defence
Diplomatic stalemate deepens
Thailand's foreign minister declared the ceasefire "not working," placing responsibility on Phnom Penh. Cambodia's former prime minister, Hun Sen, claimed his forces only returned fire to "respect the ceasefire."
Trump reportedly urged both sides to honor the agreement, according to Reuters. The accord included provisions for releasing 18 detained Cambodian soldiers, a step now in limbo.
Travel warnings issued
The UK Foreign Office advises against non-essential travel within 50 km of the Thailand-Cambodia border, citing the risk of further clashes.
Analysts warn the absence of strong leadership in both countries may prolong the standoff, though past flare-ups have de-escalated quickly.
