Bangkok / Phnom Penh — Thailand has said it will press ahead with military action against Cambodia along their disputed border, rejecting claims by U.S. President Donald Trump that the two sides have agreed to a ceasefire.
Trump said earlier that he had spoken with leaders from both countries and that they had committed to halting hostilities and reviving a peace agreement he helped facilitate, with support from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. However, officials in Bangkok quickly dismissed the assertion, insisting no new ceasefire deal had been reached.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the armed forces would continue operations until Thailand no longer faces threats to its territory or citizens, underlining that national security remains the government’s top priority.
Cambodian authorities have also not confirmed any ceasefire agreement. Instead, Phnom Penh accused Thailand of continuing attacks, including airstrikes and artillery fire, following Trump’s announcement.
Fighting Continues Along the Border
Clashes have persisted in several areas along the Thailand–Cambodia frontier, with both sides accusing the other of escalating the conflict. Cambodian officials claimed Thai fighter jets struck targets inside Cambodian territory, while Thailand said its actions were defensive and aimed at neutralising security threats.
Reports from the region suggest that artillery exchanges and air operations continued hours after Trump said fighting would stop, casting doubt on whether any understanding had been reached between the two governments.
The current round of violence was triggered by a landmine explosion earlier this month that injured Thai soldiers. Bangkok described the incident as a deliberate act, while other accounts suggested it may have been accidental — highlighting ongoing disagreements over the causes of the renewed hostilities.
Humanitarian Toll Rising
The renewed fighting has forced large numbers of civilians to flee border areas on both sides. Aid groups and local officials say homes and infrastructure have been damaged, while access to affected regions remains limited, making it difficult to verify casualty figures. Dozens of deaths are believed to have occurred in recent weeks.
Conflicting Diplomatic Narratives
The dispute has also exposed sharply different diplomatic narratives:
- Washington portrays Trump’s involvement as a breakthrough effort to de-escalate the conflict and restore dialogue.
- Bangkok insists there has been no pause in military operations and rejects claims that fighting has stopped.
- Phnom Penh continues to report ongoing Thai attacks without formally endorsing or rejecting Trump’s ceasefire statement.
Regional governments and international observers have expressed concern that previous ceasefire arrangements — already fragile — may have collapsed entirely.
Long-Running Border Dispute
Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia date back decades, rooted in unresolved border demarcation issues, particularly around historically and culturally significant sites such as the Preah Vihear temple. Multiple ceasefire efforts in recent months, including U.S.-backed initiatives, have failed to produce lasting stability.
Outlook
With both governments standing firm and fighting ongoing, prospects for an immediate end to the conflict remain uncertain. Analysts say any durable resolution is likely to require sustained regional mediation and stronger international pressure to prevent further escalation and humanitarian suffering.
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