Donald Trump-brokered ceasefire collapses in just 45 days, Thailand and Cambodia return to fighting
Bangkok (The Uttam Hindu): Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have once again escalated into near-war conditions. Despite a ceasefire brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, Thailand carried out airstrikes early Monday in Cambodian border areas. Thai Army spokesperson Major General Winthai Suwaree confirmed that the operation was conducted in disputed border regions.
Both countries have accused each other of violating the ceasefire. According to the Thai Army, clashes in the eastern part of Ubon Ratchathani province resulted in the death of one soldier and injuries to four others. With rising tensions, Thailand has also deployed F-16 fighter jets along the border.
The conflict had previously calmed in July after nearly five days of fighting, when Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim helped negotiate a ceasefire. Trump witnessed the agreement in Kuala Lumpur in October, but the deal did not last even two months.
According to Thai media outlet The Nation, the military has reported a continuous spike in border clashes and has begun shifting civilians to safer areas. Fighting intensified on Sunday after Cambodian soldiers crossed into Kantharalak district of Si Sa Ket province. Major General Winthai said Cambodian troops began firing small arms and indirect-fire weapons around 5 AM on Monday in the Chong Arn Ma area of Nam Yuen district, prompting retaliation from Thai forces.
Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) spokesperson Air Marshal Jakrit Thammavichai stated that the airstrikes were conducted jointly with the Suranari Task Force. He claimed Cambodian activities posed a direct threat to Thailand’s national security, border residents, and personnel working in the area.
The Thai military also alleges that Cambodian forces deployed heavy weapons and combat units along the border, escalating tensions and compelling Thailand to use air power to reduce Cambodia’s military capability and secure the border region.