Thailand Rejects Ceasefire Amid Escalating Border Conflict with Cambodia

The ongoing border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has intensified, as Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced that military operations would continue despite a recent call for a ceasefire by US President Donald Trump. On Saturday, Thai fighter jets targeted areas along the disputed border, shortly after Trump’s discussions with both leaders, where he reported that they had agreed to halt hostilities.

Anutin expressed on Facebook that Thailand would maintain its military actions “until we feel no more harm and threats to our land and people.” Trump had previously brokered a ceasefire in October 2023 to resolve the long-standing border dispute but did not receive confirmation from either Anutin or Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet regarding a renewed agreement during their latest conversations.

The situation escalated on Monday, with heavy artillery exchanges reported along the 817 km (508 miles) border. This marks some of the most intense fighting since a significant clash in July, which Trump intervened to halt. Anutin was clear in his stance, stating, “I want to make it clear. Our actions this morning already spoke,” suggesting a refusal to accept any ceasefire proposal.

The White House has not responded to requests for clarification on the ongoing military actions. In contrast, Hun Manet emphasized Cambodia’s commitment to seeking a peaceful resolution, reaffirming their intentions in line with the October agreement.

Since the recent resurgence of conflict, both nations have accused each other of escalating hostilities. On Saturday, Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri, a spokesman for Thailand’s Defence Ministry, noted that clashes had been reported across seven provinces. He stated that Cambodian forces had utilized heavy weapons, necessitating Thailand’s defensive response.

Cambodia’s Information Ministry also claimed that Thai forces had targeted bridges and buildings overnight, further complicating the already tense situation. Anutin dismissed Trump’s characterization of an incident involving a “roadside bomb” as accidental, asserting that it was “definitely not a roadside accident.”

On the diplomatic front, Hun Manet revealed that he had sought the assistance of the US and Malaysia to verify which side initiated the recent fighting, indicating the complexities of international involvement in the dispute.

As both nations stand firm, the path to a resolution remains uncertain, with the potential for further violence looming over the region. The call for peace from international leaders, especially Trump’s previous assertions about deserving a Nobel Peace Prize, may be overshadowed by the realities on the ground, where military actions continue to escalate.