Thailand has expressed deep concerns over what it describes as "deliberate" violations of a ceasefire agreed upon just hours earlier with Cambodia. The two neighboring countries struck a deal on Monday to end a series of violent border skirmishes that have resulted in at least 33 deaths and displaced thousands. Despite the agreement, Thailand's military reported ongoing gunfire from the Cambodian side, which contradicted a statement from Cambodia’s defense ministry declaring no armed clashes since the ceasefire commenced at midnight.
Tensions have heightened significantly since a Cambodian soldier's death in May sparked a violent escalation, leading to clashes that injured Thai soldiers and prompted Thailand to close border crossings, expel the Cambodian ambassador, and call back its own envoy. Recent exchanges of artillery and rocket fire resulted in multiple civilian deaths and forced tens of thousands to seek refuge in makeshift shelters.
Early on Tuesday, Prime Minister Hun Manet of Cambodia claimed that "frontlines have eased" post-ceasefire, juxtaposing Thailand’s allegations of ongoing conflicts. The ceasefire process included commitments from both sides to withdraw troops and accommodate independent monitoring to prevent further confrontations; however, the promised meetings between local military commanders have already faced delays.
The roots of hostility trace back more than a century, with disputes over borders solidified post-French colonization. Tensions flared aggressively in 2008 when Cambodia sought UNESCO recognition for an ancient temple situated in a contested area, provoking vehement responses from Thailand. Sporadic border clashes have plagued relations ever since, culminating in a decline in bilateral relations to their most strained point in recent history.
In the wake of these tensions, both nations recently enacted economic restrictions and bolstered military presence along the border, further complicating efforts toward reconciliation. The ceasefire, which was initially perceived as a hopeful advancement towards peace, now hangs in jeopardy with accusations of breaches threatening to spiral the situation back into violent conflict.
