In brief
Thailand's army reported a breach of a recently signed ceasefire agreement with Cambodia, citing over 250 unmanned aerial vehicles flying from Cambodia as a violation. The ceasefire, effective from Saturday, was meant to stabilize post-conflict tensions after deadly clashes displaced nearly one million people. Thailand's army expressed concerns over the provocations, with potential implications for Cambodian soldiers held in Thailand. Meanwhile, Cambodia downplayed the incident as a minor issue. Diplomatic efforts from China and the US had been pivotal in negotiating the ceasefire.
Thailand's army has accused Cambodia of breaching a newly signed ceasefire deal reached after weeks of deadly clashes that forced nearly one million people from their homes.
In a statement, the Thai army said more than 250 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were detected flying from the Cambodian side on Sunday night.
The ceasefire took effect at noon local time (05:00 GMT) on Saturday. Both sides agreed to freeze the front lines where they are now, ban reinforcements, and allow civilians living in border areas to return as soon as possible.
It had been seen as a breakthrough, which came after days of talks between both countries, with diplomatic encouragement from China and the US.
In a statement on Monday, the Royal Thai Army stated that Cambodia's actions constitute provocation and a violation of measures aimed at reducing tensions, adding that they were inconsistent with the terms of the ceasefire.
They further warned that Thailand would be obliged to act in accordance... [if] violations of agreements and national sovereignty continue.\
Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn described the incident as a small issue related to flying drones seen by both sides along the border line, according to AFP news agency.
This tension comes just hours after China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi praised the hard-won ceasefire, and US President Donald Trump lauded the rapid and fair conclusion of the agreement.
The dispute between Thailand and Cambodia is long-standing, dating back over a century, with renewed tensions surfacing earlier this year after a clash resulting in a Cambodian soldier's death. The latest ceasefire follows intense fighting that resulted in significant casualties and displacement.
