Thailand’s Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, has declared that military operations will continue along the disputed border with Cambodia, despite a ceasefire call from US President Donald Trump. This announcement came shortly after airstrikes were conducted on Saturday, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
In a post on social media, Anutin stated that Thailand would maintain its military actions until it felt secure and free from threats to its territory and citizens. This statement directly contradicts Trump’s assertion that he facilitated an agreement for both nations to “cease all shooting” during discussions with Anutin and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on Friday.
Continued Hostilities Amid Diplomatic Efforts
Despite Trump’s efforts to broker peace, both leaders issued statements that did not confirm any ceasefire agreement. Anutin emphasized, “I want to make it clear. Our actions this morning already spoke,” suggesting that the military actions would persist. The White House has yet to comment on the situation following the renewed fighting.
The conflict has intensified along the 817-km (508-mile) border between Thailand and Cambodia, with reports of heavy-artillery exchanges early in the week. This marks some of the most severe clashes since the five-day conflict in July, which was halted by Trump’s intervention.
The Thai military has accused Cambodia of laying new landmines, with Anutin asserting that a recent incident injuring a Thai soldier was not an accident, countering Trump’s characterization of it as such. In response, Cambodia has rejected the landmine allegations and remains committed to seeking a resolution based on the October agreement.
Details of the Ongoing Conflict
On Saturday, Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri, a spokesman for the Thai Defence Ministry, reported clashes across seven border provinces. He stated that Cambodia’s use of heavy weaponry necessitated a response from Thailand. Meanwhile, Cambodia’s Information Ministry claimed that Thai forces had targeted infrastructure, including bridges and buildings, using artillery from naval vessels.
Hun Manet has called for the involvement of the US and Malaysia, which has previously acted as a mediator in the conflict, to investigate which side initiated the latest round of hostilities. The ongoing situation underscores the fragility of peace in the region, with both nations facing mounting pressures to resolve their differences through diplomatic channels.
As the conflict continues to unfold, the international community watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to a long-standing border dispute that has resulted in significant military engagement and heightened tensions between the two Southeast Asian neighbors.