Former U.S. President Donald Trump declared on Friday that Thai and Cambodian leaders had consented to reinstate a ceasefire following recent deadly border clashes, though official statements from both nations suggest the situation remains unresolved. Trump made the announcement via his Truth Social platform after conducting phone discussions with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet.
Contradicting Trump’s assertion, Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Saturday challenging the ceasefire announcement without providing specific details. Thai defense ministry spokesperson Surasant Kongsiri confirmed that military engagements were continuing, while Cambodia’s defense ministry reported ongoing Thai strikes early Saturday, though these claims lacked independent verification.
The diplomatic discrepancy highlights the complex nature of the border conflict. Prime Minister Anutin revealed that during his conversation with Trump, he emphasized Thailand’s commitment to continue military operations until Cambodia eliminates perceived threats to Thai sovereignty. Anutin explicitly called for Cambodia to demonstrate concrete actions by ceasing fire, withdrawing forces, and clearing land mines.
Trump’s social media post characterized a recent roadside bomb incident that injured Thai soldiers as accidental, a description promptly refuted by Anutin who stated definitively: ‘It’s definitely not a roadside accident.’ The Thai leader affirmed continued military operations until security concerns are adequately addressed.
The historical context of this conflict traces back to competing territorial claims originating from a 1907 map created during Cambodia’s French colonial period, which Thailand considers inaccurate. Tensions intensified following a 1962 International Court of Justice ruling that granted sovereignty to Cambodia, a decision that remains contentious among many Thais.
Current military engagements have involved sophisticated weaponry, with Thailand deploying jet fighters for airstrikes and Cambodia utilizing BM-21 rocket launchers with substantial range. Public broadcaster ThaiPBS documented that at least six Thai soldiers died from rocket shrapnel, while residential areas near the border sustained damage from Cambodian rocket attacks.
This development occurs alongside other international ceasefire agreements brokered by the Trump administration that show signs of strain. The Democratic Republic of Congo-Rwanda peace deal faces challenges following recent violence in Congo’s South Kivu region, while the Israel-Hamas agreement remains in developmental stages with intermittent fighting continuing.