Bangkok: Thailand has accused Cambodia of "deliberately" violating a ceasefire that the two countries agreed upon on Monday to halt border clashes that have resulted in at least 33 deaths and displaced thousands of individuals. The ceasefire was intended to end five days of intense bombardment and rocket attacks along their shared border.
According to BBC, the Thai military reported that while it ceased firing after midnight, it continued to receive gunfire from the Cambodian side "at multiple locations" until the morning. The conflict escalated last week following the injury of five Thai soldiers in a landmine explosion, prompting Thailand to close some border crossings, expel the Cambodian ambassador, and recall its own envoy from Phnom Penh.
Intense exchanges of fire persisted until the ceasefire's deadline at midnight on Monday, with Thailand launching airstrikes on Cambodian positions. However, on Tuesday morning, before Thailand's allegations of ceasefire violations, Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet stated that the "frontlines have eased" since midnight. The ceasefire agreement mandates both sides to withdraw their armies and accept independent monitoring to prevent further clashes.
Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai met in Malaysia on Monday, in a meeting facilitated by Malaysian leader Anwar Ibrahim. Cambodia, eager for a ceasefire, described the meeting as "very good." Thailand, initially hesitant to negotiate, agreed to talks after US President Donald Trump threatened to halt tariff negotiations until the fighting ceased.
Relations between Thailand and Cambodia have been tumultuous since 2008 when Cambodia attempted to register an 11th Century temple in the disputed area as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sparking protests from Thailand. Sporadic clashes have occurred over the years, claiming lives on both sides. Increased tensions in May marked the lowest point in relations in over a decade.
Recent months have seen both countries imposing border restrictions. Cambodia banned imports from Thailand, including fruits, vegetables, power, and internet services. Both nations have also bolstered their military presence along the border in recent weeks.