Thailand has said it will continue military operations against Cambodia along their disputed border, rejecting claims by former US President Donald Trump that a ceasefire had been reached between the two Southeast Asian neighbours. The announcement comes amid intensifying clashes that have triggered a major humanitarian crisis in border areas.
Thailand’s government on Friday stated that no formal ceasefire agreement was in place and that its armed forces would continue operations to protect national sovereignty. Thai officials said fighting would not stop until what they described as security threats from across the border were neutralised.
Trump had earlier claimed that he had brokered a ceasefire after holding separate phone calls with leaders of both Thailand and Cambodia. However, both governments have since contradicted that assertion, with continued reports of artillery fire, air strikes and ground clashes in multiple contested zones.
Cambodia accused Thai forces of launching fresh attacks even after the ceasefire announcement, including aerial bombardment near civilian areas. Phnom Penh said the continued fighting undermines diplomatic efforts and has called on the international community to intervene to prevent further escalation.
The renewed violence is rooted in a long-standing territorial dispute between the two countries, particularly in areas near ancient temples and borders drawn during the colonial era. While tensions have flared intermittently over the years, the current confrontation is among the most serious in recent times.
The humanitarian toll is mounting rapidly. According to local authorities and aid agencies, hundreds of thousands of civilians have been forced to flee their homes on both sides of the border. Several casualties, including civilians and soldiers, have been reported, with fears that the numbers could rise if hostilities continue.
Regional and international actors have expressed concern over the situation. Previous mediation efforts by neighbouring countries have failed to produce lasting peace, and the latest breakdown has raised questions over the effectiveness of external diplomatic interventions.
As fighting continues, observers warn that without a mutually agreed and verifiable ceasefire, the conflict risks further destabilising the region and worsening the humanitarian crisis along the Thailand–Cambodia border.
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