Thailand’s Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, has asserted that military operations will persist along the disputed border with Cambodia, despite a recent call for a ceasefire from US President Donald Trump. On Saturday, Thai fighter jets targeted locations in Cambodia, just hours after Trump claimed to have facilitated a cessation of hostilities between the two nations.
In a post on Facebook, Anutin emphasized that Thailand would “continue to perform military actions until we feel no more harm and threats to our land and people.” This statement followed a Friday conversation between Trump, Anutin, and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, during which Trump announced that both leaders had agreed to “cease all shooting.” However, neither Anutin nor Hun Manet referenced any such agreement in their public statements following the discussions.
Anutin clarified, “I want to make it clear. Our actions this morning already spoke,” indicating that Thailand does not recognize any ceasefire. The White House has not yet commented on the ongoing conflict.
Hun Manet reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to seeking a peaceful resolution in accordance with the October agreement, which previously aimed to address the long-standing border disputes. Since the beginning of the week, heavy exchanges of gunfire have erupted along the 817 km (508-mile) border, marking some of the most intense fighting since a series of clashes occurred in July.
The recent spate of violence comes after Trump intervened last month to halt the July fighting, which was characterized as the worst in recent memory. Following an incident where a Thai soldier was severely injured by a landmine—allegedly newly laid by Cambodia—Thailand suspended its adherence to the ceasefire. Cambodia has denied these allegations of landmine deployment.
In a press briefing, Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri of the Thai Defence Ministry reported that skirmishes had erupted across seven border provinces and accused Cambodia of using heavy weaponry, necessitating Thailand’s retaliatory actions. Cambodia’s Information Ministry countered these claims, stating that Thai forces had targeted bridges and buildings and had opened fire from naval vessels.
Amid escalating tensions, Hun Manet has requested the assistance of the US and Malaysia, which has acted as a mediator in peace negotiations, to gather intelligence on the conflict. He specifically asked for verification regarding which side initiated the latest round of hostilities.
As the situation unfolds, the potential for further escalation remains significant, with both nations firmly entrenched in their positions. The international community continues to monitor the developments closely, particularly given Trump’s previous aspirations for a Nobel Peace Prize in connection with his mediation efforts.
