Thailand Cambodia Border Clashes: Ceasefire Signed, Then Immediately Violated

Thailand and Cambodia agreed to a formal ceasefire on Saturday. The deal aimed to end weeks of deadly border fighting. It was signed during a special General Border Committee meeting.

This agreement followed renewed combat that erupted in early December. The Cambodian Defence Ministry confirmed the pact in a press release. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to border peace and security.

Thai Airstrike Reportedly Hits Cambodia Hours After Pact

Hours after the talks concluded, Cambodia reported a new attack. The country’s Defence Ministry stated Thailand launched an airstrike on Saturday. They reported F-16 fighter jets dropped four bombs in Banteay Meanchey province.

This incident followed another strike the previous day. Cambodia said Thailand dropped 40 bombs on Friday. The target was a village in the same northwestern border province.

Thailand’s military gave a different account of Friday’s action. They described it as a joint army-air force operation. The goal was to protect Thailand’s Sa Kaeo province from Cambodian forces.

Diplomatic Tensions Rise Amid Conflicting Claims

Each nation blames the other for breaking the truce. Both describe their military moves as self-defense. The border region has a history of overlapping territorial claims.

Thai leadership had expressed hope for a 72-hour ceasefire. They also offered to repatriate Cambodian prisoners of war. This was conditional on a successful truce.

Thai Air Force spokesperson Air Marshal Jackkrit Thammavichai issued a stern warning. He stated Thailand would defend its sovereignty if Cambodia was not sincere. According to the Associated Press, he suggested full-scale operations could follow.

The latest Thailand Cambodia border clashes ceasefire shows how fragile the situation remains. Diplomatic agreements are struggling to hold against deep-seated tensions. The path to lasting peace on this border appears uncertain.

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Q1: What caused the latest Thailand-Cambodia border clashes?

The clashes stem from long-standing, overlapping territorial claims. Recent fighting erupted in early December near the provinces of Banteay Meanchey and Sa Kaeo. Both nations have stationed troops in the disputed area for years.

Q2: What did the ceasefire agreement actually say?

The joint statement reaffirmed a commitment to a full ceasefire. It aimed to seek peace and security for border communities. The agreement was signed during the 3rd Special General Border Committee meeting.

Q3: Has there been violence in this area before?

Yes, this border region has seen sporadic clashes for over a decade. A major flare-up occurred around the Preah Vihear temple in 2011. Tensions have periodically resurfaced despite previous diplomatic efforts.

Q4: What is the international response to the clashes?

Neighboring ASEAN nations typically urge dialogue and restraint. The regional bloc emphasizes peaceful dispute resolution. Direct international intervention has been limited, favoring bilateral talks.