Border Tensions: Thailand and Cambodia Ignore Trump's Call for Peace
Trouble Persists Despite Trump's Claim of Truce
Even after U.S. President Trump stated that both Thailand and Cambodia agreed to halt fighting, the conflict on their shared border continues. Thai officials deny any agreement to a ceasefire, while Cambodian media reports that Thai jets conducted bombings on Saturday morning.
History of Conflict
This is not the first time tensions have flared. In December, a skirmish injured two Thai soldiers and disrupted a previous ceasefire brokered by Trump. That truce ended five days of fighting in July over territorial disputes. Malaysia played a key role in negotiating the deal, with Trump threatening to revoke trade benefits if both countries did not comply. A follow-up agreement was reached in October during a meeting in Malaysia.
Current Casualties and Displacement
So far, this week's conflict has resulted in:
- Approximately two dozen fatalities
- Hundreds of thousands displaced from their homes
Thailand reports:
- 11 of its soldiers killed
- Around 165 Cambodian soldiers killed
Cambodia has not disclosed military casualties but confirms:
- 11 civilian deaths
- 76 civilians injured
Discrepancies in Statements
Trump claimed on Friday that both countries agreed to cease hostilities and return to the original peace deal. However:
- Thailand's prime minister insists peace depends on Cambodia stopping its attacks first.
- Thai foreign ministry denies Trump's claim of a ceasefire.
- Cambodia's prime minister thanked Trump and Malaysia for their efforts but did not mention any ceasefire.
Ongoing Military Actions
- Thailand is targeting what it claims are military installations.
- Cambodia is firing BM-21 rockets, which are imprecise and cannot be aimed accurately.
Most rockets have landed in evacuated areas, but on Saturday, one struck a civilian zone in Thailand, seriously injuring two people fleeing to a bunker.
