Border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia have re-emerged despite a ceasefire established in July. Reports indicate casualties, including Thai soldiers and Cambodian civilians, since Monday. Both nations attribute the initiation of violence to the other side. These recent engagements, which have involved Thai airstrikes, represent the most significant escalation since the July ceasefire.
Historical Context of the Dispute
The border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia is a long-standing issue, tracing back over a century to the demarcation of borders following the French occupation of Cambodia. Hostilities intensified in 2008 when Cambodia sought to register an 11th-century temple situated in the disputed territory as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which Thailand opposed. Sporadic clashes have occurred over the years, resulting in casualties among both military personnel and civilians. Tensions heightened in May after a Cambodian soldier was killed in a skirmish, leading to a deterioration in bilateral relations. Prior to the July clashes, both countries implemented border restrictions and increased troop deployments.
Accounts of Recent Clashes (December)
On December 8, the Thai army reported responding to Cambodian fire in Thailand's Ubon Ratchathani Province, which resulted in a Thai soldier's death. Thailand subsequently conducted airstrikes on military targets along the border. Cambodia's Ministry of Defence stated that Thai forces initiated the attack in Cambodia's Preah Vihear province and denied any retaliation. The following day, Thailand's military accused Cambodia of deploying multiple-launch rocket systems, bomb-dropping drones, and kamikaze drones against Thai soldiers, with some projectiles reportedly impacting civilian areas. Thailand confirmed additional airstrikes. Cambodia, in turn, accused Thailand of indiscriminate firing into civilian areas in its Pursat Province.
Details of July Clashes
In July, both sides presented differing accounts of events. Thailand's National Security Council (NSC) claimed that on July 24, Cambodian military drones conducted surveillance of Thai troops near the border, followed by Cambodian personnel with rocket-propelled grenades gathering. The NSC stated that Cambodian soldiers opened fire, prompting Thai retaliation. Thailand also accused Cambodia of using heavy weapons, including BM-21 rocket launchers and artillery, causing damage to infrastructure on the Thai side. Conversely, Cambodia alleged that Thai soldiers initiated the conflict by advancing on a Khmer-Hindu temple and erecting barbed wire. Cambodia's Ministry of National Defence spokesperson, Maly Socheata, stated that Thai soldiers deployed a drone, fired shots into the air, and then "pre-emptively" opened fire on Cambodian troops, necessitating self-defense. Socheata further accused Thailand of excessive troop deployment, heavy weapon use, and airstrikes on Cambodian territory.
Ceasefire and International Involvement
Following the July clashes, which resulted in 48 fatalities and displacement, US President Donald Trump, with Malaysia's assistance, brokered a ceasefire. The agreement, signed in October, was termed the "Kuala Lumpur peace accord" by Trump, though Thailand referred to it as a "Joint Declaration." Thailand suspended the agreement two weeks later in November, citing a persistent "security threat." Cambodia affirmed its commitment to the terms at that time. After the December fighting, Thailand's foreign minister stated the ceasefire was "not working." Cambodia's former prime minister maintained that their forces had only returned fire to "respect the ceasefire." Reuters reported that Trump urged both sides to adhere to the agreement, which included withdrawing heavy weapons and establishing an interim observer team. The agreement also stipulated the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers held in Thailand.