Tensions flared again on the Thailand-Cambodia border on Tuesday as Thailand accused its neighbour of “deliberately” violating a ceasefire agreement reached just hours earlier to end a week-long conflict that has already claimed at least 33 lives and displaced tens of thousands.
The Thai military said it had halted all fire after the truce came into effect at midnight but alleged that Cambodian forces continued shooting “at multiple locations” into the morning. “Despite our full compliance, we continued to receive gunfire,” a Thai military spokesperson told reporters.
However, Cambodia’s Ministry of Defence contradicted the claim, saying there had been “no armed clashes” since the ceasefire took effect.
Tuesday morning’s accusation marks a shaky start to a truce brokered the day before in Malaysia, where Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai met under the auspices of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Cambodia, reportedly outgunned, had been pressing for an agreement and described the talks as a “very good meeting.”
Despite the accusations, local commanders from both countries held talks on Tuesday as part of the ceasefire mechanism. They agreed to halt troop movements, stop shooting, and allow each side to retrieve the dead.
The conflict erupted into full-scale clashes last week after escalating tensions in May, when a Cambodian soldier was killed in a skirmish. The violence intensified after five Thai soldiers were injured in a landmine explosion, prompting Bangkok to shut down border crossings, expel the Cambodian ambassador, and recall its own envoy from Phnom Penh.
On Thursday, Cambodia launched a barrage of rocket attacks into Thai territory after an exchange of fire, killing several civilians. The fighting escalated through the weekend, with air strikes from Thailand and artillery fire from both sides continuing until the ceasefire deadline at midnight on Monday.
Earlier on Tuesday, before Thailand’s allegations, Prime Minister Hun Manet had stated that “frontlines have eased” since the truce began.
Under the ceasefire terms, both countries are expected to pull back troops and allow independent monitors to oversee the agreement though no details have emerged on who the observers would be.
International pressure played a role in bringing both parties to the table. While Thailand had initially resisted negotiations, it relented after US President Donald Trump threatened to suspend trade talks over tariffs if the hostilities continued.
Border disputes between Thailand and Cambodia have simmered for over a century, particularly over a contested area housing the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple. Tensions spiked in 2008 when Cambodia sought UNESCO recognition for the site, sparking nationalist protests in Thailand and sporadic deadly clashes over the years.
In the past two months, economic relations between the two nations have also deteriorated. Cambodia banned Thai imports such as fruits, vegetables, and essential services including electricity and internet. Thailand responded with its own restrictions and bolstered troop deployments along the border.
The situation remains precarious, with both sides under pressure to maintain the truce and avoid a return to open conflict.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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