Thailand’s Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, has confirmed the continuation of military operations along the disputed border with Cambodia, stating that the nation will not cease hostilities despite a recent call for a ceasefire from U.S. President Donald Trump. On Saturday, Thai fighter jets targeted Cambodian positions, further escalating tensions in the region.
In a post on social media, Anutin declared that Thailand would persist with military actions “until we feel no more harm and threats to our land and people.” This announcement came just hours after Trump reported that a ceasefire agreement had been reached between Anutin and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. Trump indicated that both leaders had consented to “cease all shooting,” but neither leader confirmed any such agreement in their subsequent statements.
Anutin reiterated his position, stating, “I want to make it clear. Our actions this morning already spoke.” The White House has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the ongoing conflict.
Background of the Conflict
The border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia has been a longstanding issue, with both nations exchanging fire since Monday along the 817-km (approximately 508 miles) border. This recent exchange of heavy weaponry marks some of the most intense fighting since a five-day clash in July, which had prompted Trump to intervene and broker an earlier ceasefire.
The conflict intensified after a Thai soldier was injured by a landmine, which the Thai government alleges was recently laid by Cambodian forces. Cambodia has dismissed these claims and continues to advocate for a peaceful resolution in accordance with the October agreement facilitated by Trump.
Cambodia’s Prime Minister, Hun Manet, expressed a desire for clarity and resolution, calling upon the United States and Malaysia—which has acted as a mediator in peace talks—to utilize their intelligence capabilities to ascertain which side initiated the latest round of hostilities.
Military Actions and Statements
On Saturday, Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri, a spokesman for Thailand’s Defence Ministry, provided details on the ongoing clashes, confirming that fighting had erupted across seven border provinces. He stated that Cambodian forces had employed heavy weapons, which necessitated a retaliatory response from Thailand.
In contrast, Cambodia’s Information Ministry reported that Thai forces had targeted bridges and buildings overnight, also claiming that artillery had been fired from a Thai naval vessel. The escalating violence raises concerns about the potential for further conflict in a region already marked by historical disputes.
Anutin dismissed Trump’s characterization of an incident involving a “roadside bomb” that injured Thai soldiers as accidental, insisting that it was “definitely not a roadside accident.” The situation remains fluid, and the potential for further escalation looms large as both sides maintain their military postures.
The international community watches closely as the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia navigate a complex landscape of diplomacy and military engagement, highlighting the challenges of achieving lasting peace in a region with deep-rooted tensions.
