Thailand has intensified security measures by imposing a coastal curfew in its southeastern Trat province as border hostilities with Cambodia continue to escalate, despite recent diplomatic interventions. The new restrictions affect five districts adjacent to Cambodia’s Koh Kong province, though popular tourist destinations Koh Chang and Koh Kood remain exempt from the military directive.
This development follows Friday’s announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump claiming both nations had agreed to cease fire after his discussions with Thai caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Premier Hun Manet. However, combat operations persisted throughout the weekend, with Anutin vowing to continue military actions until Thailand perceives no further threats to its territorial integrity.
The conflict has witnessed intensified artillery exchanges across multiple points of the 817-kilometer contested border, representing the most severe clashes since July’s five-day confrontation. Thai military forces reported destroying a strategic bridge used by Cambodia for transporting heavy weaponry, while Cambodian authorities accused Thailand of targeting civilian infrastructure.
Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri, Thai Defence Ministry spokesman, stated that despite Cambodia’s expressed openness to ceasefire discussions, continuous hostilities have prevented meaningful dialogue. “Thailand remains receptive to diplomatic solutions, but Cambodia must first cease all hostile actions before negotiations can commence,” he emphasized during a Bangkok press conference.
The current violence marks another chapter in the prolonged border dispute that reignited in May following the death of a Cambodian soldier, subsequently displacing hundreds of thousands of residents from both nations. The White House has subsequently reinforced President Trump’s expectation that all parties honor their ceasefire commitments, warning that accountability measures will be enforced to ensure lasting peace.