Thailand’s Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, confirmed on Saturday that military operations against Cambodia would continue, despite a recent call for a ceasefire from US President Donald Trump. The announcement came just hours after Trump stated he had facilitated a truce between the two nations, which have been embroiled in a long-standing border dispute.
In a post on social media, Anutin emphasized that Thailand would persist with military actions “until we feel no more harm and threats to our land and people.” This statement underscores the ongoing tensions along the 817-km border, where fighter jets have reportedly targeted various sites. The conflict has escalated since Monday, with both countries exchanging heavy fire, marking some of the most intense clashes since the five-day conflict in July.
Trump’s diplomatic efforts included discussions with both Anutin and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on Friday, where he claimed that both leaders had agreed to “cease all shooting.” However, following their conversations, neither leader confirmed an agreement to halt hostilities. Anutin explicitly stated there was “no ceasefire,” asserting that the military actions occurring that morning spoke for themselves.
In response to the ongoing violence, the White House has yet to provide a comment regarding the situation. Meanwhile, Hun Manet reiterated Cambodia’s commitment to seeking a peaceful resolution, aligning with the October agreement brokered by Trump.
The latest round of fighting reignited following an incident in which a Thai soldier was injured by a landmine, which Thailand alleges was newly laid by Cambodian forces. This accusation has been categorically denied by Cambodia, which previously nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize in August.
Reports indicate that clashes have taken place across seven border provinces, with Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri of the Thai Defence Ministry stating that Cambodia’s use of heavy artillery necessitated Thailand’s retaliation. In a press conference, he detailed that Thai forces had targeted bridges and buildings in response to attacks.
Despite Trump’s characterization of a “roadside bomb” that injured Thai soldiers as an accident, Anutin rejected this interpretation, insisting that it was “definitely not a roadside accident.” In light of the escalating conflict, Hun Manet has called upon both the US and Malaysia, which has played a mediating role in peace talks, to utilize their intelligence capabilities to ascertain which side initiated the latest hostilities.
The situation remains fluid, with both nations entrenched in their positions. As the international community watches closely, the prospects for a peaceful resolution appear increasingly uncertain.
