Thailand and Cambodia have found themselves in conflict for a fourth consecutive day, even as both nations express a willingness to discuss a ceasefire, following a late-night mediation by US President Donald Trump.
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Popular destinations for countless international tourists, the two neighboring countries are embroiled in their deadliest clash in years over a contested border. Tragically, at least 33 lives have been lost, and more than 200,000 people have been displaced due to the ongoing violence.
In a positive turn, both nations indicated their readiness to initiate talks aimed at halting the fighting after President Trump held discussions with the prime ministers of both countries. He emphasized the importance of swiftly working towards a ceasefire, stating, “Dialogue is the only path to lasting peace.”
Unfortunately, fresh artillery conflicts erupted this morning near two ancient temples that have long been points of contention along the border between northern Cambodia and northeastern Thailand, the epicenter of the fighting.
The sound of artillery fire could be heard rattling windows in the Cambodian town of Samraong, situated approximately 20 kilometers from the conflict zone, as reported by AFP journalists on the ground. Thai Army Deputy Spokesman Ritcha Suksuwanon noted that Cambodian forces began shelling around 4 a.m. as both sides vied for control over strategically significant positions.
Ceasefire Proposals
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet stated that his country is “in agreement with the proposal for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire between the two armed forces.” He announced that Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn would coordinate with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to align efforts with Thailand, but cautioned Bangkok against any attempts to backtrack on a potential agreement.
In the wake of President Trump’s call, Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai expressed his agreement in principle to pursue a ceasefire and initiate talks “as soon as possible.” Although both countries have articulated a desire for dialogue to resolve the crisis, neither has shown willingness to retract their positions, again placing blame on the other for hindering peace efforts.
The Thai Foreign Ministry accused Cambodian forces of shelling civilian homes in Surin Province, asserting, “Any cessation of hostilities cannot be achieved while Cambodia persistently demonstrates a lack of good faith and violations of fundamental human rights and humanitarian law.”
On the Cambodian side, Defence Ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata denied the assertion that they fired first and instead accused Thailand of engaging in “deliberate and coordinated acts of aggression.”
The long-standing border dispute escalated into armed conflict this week, with aerial bombardments, tank movements, and ground troop engagements occurring in the rural border area, characterized by hilly terrain and dense jungle, where local communities depend on rubber and rice cultivation for their livelihoods.
Reports highlight that Thailand has lost seven soldiers and 13 civilians, while Cambodia has confirmed eight civilian and five military fatalities. The violence has resulted in the evacuation of over 138,000 individuals from Thailand’s border regions and displaced 80,000 residents within Cambodia.
Following an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council in New York, Cambodia’s UN Ambassador Chhea Keo reiterated the country’s call for “an immediate ceasefire” and a peaceful resolution to the dispute. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged both nations on Saturday to “immediately agree to a ceasefire” and engage in talks to achieve a sustainable resolution.
As the fighting continues, both sides have traded accusations regarding the origins of the conflict. Cambodia has alleged that Thai forces employed cluster munitions, while Thailand has accused Cambodia of targeting civilian infrastructure, including hospitals. The current hostilities represent a significant escalation in a long-standing dispute over the shared 800-kilometer border, with several segments yet to be resolved.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
