By: The Trek News Desk
Armed confrontations between Thailand and Cambodia continued on Saturday, hours after US President Donald Trump announced that both nations had agreed to a ceasefire. Ground realities, however, suggested otherwise, as fighting along the disputed border showed no signs of slowing down.
According to official sources, at least 21 people have lost their lives in the renewed violence, while nearly 700,000 civilians from both sides of the border have been forced to flee their homes. Heavy exchanges of fire were reported through the night, with military units remaining active in several sensitive areas.
President Trump had stated on Friday night that, following his conversations with the prime ministers of Thailand and Cambodia, both sides had agreed to immediately halt hostilities and revert to the peace agreement signed in October under US mediation. Posting on social media, Trump said both countries were “ready for peace” and had committed to stopping the shooting.
However, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul made it clear that Bangkok does not consider a ceasefire viable under the current circumstances. He stated that Thailand would only consider halting military operations after Cambodia withdraws its forces from the border region and removes landmines allegedly placed in contested areas. “Thailand will continue its military actions as long as our land and our people remain under threat,” Anutin said in a public statement.
Shelling and Air Strikes Reported
Despite diplomatic claims, intense shelling continued overnight. Thai forces reportedly attempted to secure strategic high ground along the border, while Cambodia accused Thailand of carrying out fresh air strikes. Cambodia’s defence ministry claimed that Thai F-16 fighter jets dropped multiple bombs on targets inside Cambodian territory on Saturday. Thai military officials also confirmed that clashes were ongoing.
A Dispute Rooted in History
The current conflict is the latest escalation in a long-running border dispute between the two Southeast Asian neighbours. The contested boundary stretches roughly 800 kilometres and dates back to 1907, when it was demarcated by French colonial authorities during their rule over Cambodia. Disagreements over the interpretation of this border have repeatedly triggered tensions and sporadic violence over the decades.
The situation deteriorated sharply earlier this year after Cambodia allegedly fired rockets into Thai territory, prompting retaliatory air strikes from Thailand. In October, following days of deadly fighting, both countries had agreed to an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire” brokered by President Trump with support from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. That agreement, however, failed to hold, with both sides accusing each other of repeated violations.
Thailand has presented what it claims is evidence of Cambodian troops laying landmines along the border, incidents that reportedly led to severe injuries among Thai soldiers. Cambodia, on the other hand, maintains that the mines are remnants of its civil war in the 1980s and denies deliberately planting them.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The ongoing fighting has triggered a serious humanitarian situation. Entire communities near the border have been evacuated, and thousands of families are now living in temporary shelters. While both governments continue to trade blame and assert military control, civilians remain the worst affected.
US Role and Trade Concerns
The United States’ involvement has drawn mixed reactions. Thailand has cautioned Washington against linking the conflict to trade or economic pressure, recalling earlier instances when tariffs were reportedly used as leverage to ease tensions. Cambodia has also criticised what it sees as uneven international pressure.
As of Saturday, Cambodia again accused Thailand of launching fresh air attacks, claims that Bangkok has denied, insisting that Cambodian forces initiated the latest round of violence.
Source: News Agencies
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