Thailand’s military command has formally accused Cambodia of violating a newly-established ceasefire agreement through unauthorized drone operations, casting doubt on the stability of the recently brokered peace arrangement. The Royal Thai Army reported detecting over 250 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) originating from Cambodian territory on Sunday night, mere hours after the ceasefire took effect.
The bilateral agreement, which came into force at noon local time on Saturday, represented a diplomatic breakthrough following weeks of intense border clashes that resulted in significant casualties and displaced nearly one million civilians. The pact specifically mandated both nations to freeze military positions along the contested border, prohibit troop reinforcements, and facilitate the safe return of displaced border communities.
In an official statement released Monday, Thai military authorities characterized Cambodia’s drone activities as ‘provocative actions inconsistent with tension-reduction measures’ that directly contravene the ceasefire terms. The statement further warned that continued violations might compel Thailand to reconsider the planned release of 18 Cambodian soldiers captured during July’s hostilities.
This development occurs against a complex historical backdrop of territorial disputes dating back over a century between the Southeast Asian neighbors. The most recent escalation began earlier this year following nationalist demonstrations at a contested temple site, culminating in May’s fatal shooting of a Cambodian soldier and subsequent intensive border clashes that claimed dozens of military and civilian lives.
The current ceasefire received international endorsement from both Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who praised it as ‘hard-won,’ and U.S. President Donald Trump, who commended its ‘rapid and fair conclusion.’ Cambodia has not yet responded to Thailand’s latest allegations, leaving the future of this fragile peace agreement uncertain.