Thailand Cambodia Border Dispute: Fighting Continues as Crossings Close Despite Ceasefire Claims

Cambodia has shut all border crossings with Thailand until further notice as fighting continues between the two countries, escalating the thailand cambodia border dispute despite US President Donald Trump’s earlier claim that both sides had agreed to a ceasefire.

Border Closures and Ongoing Fighting

Cambodia’s interior ministry announced the immediate closure of all border crossings with Thailand, citing continued clashes. The decision came as both sides reported ongoing artillery exchanges and air strikes on Saturday.

Thai officials said four soldiers were killed on Saturday, bringing Thailand’s total military death toll since Monday to 15, with 270 others injured. Six Thai civilians were also injured. Cambodia has not updated its military casualty figures but reported civilian losses earlier in the week.

Conflicting Claims Over Ceasefire

US President Donald Trump said on Friday that Thailand and Cambodia had agreed to “cease shooting effective this evening” after he spoke with both prime ministers. He added that both countries were ready for peace and would return to an agreement signed in October under US and Malaysian mediation.

However, neither government confirmed an imminent ceasefire. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said a ceasefire would only be possible after Cambodia withdrew its forces and removed landmines. Cambodian leaders said they must continue fighting to protect national sovereignty.

Military Strikes and Civilian Impact

Cambodia’s defence ministry said Thai F-16 fighter jets bombed hotel buildings and a bridge, adding that air strikes had not stopped. Thailand confirmed continued fighting and reported that Cambodian rocket attacks injured civilians.

At least 700,000 people have been evacuated on both sides of the border. On Friday, Cambodia said at least 11 civilians were killed and 59 injured. The violence has affected six provinces in north-eastern Thailand and six provinces in Cambodia’s north and north-west.

Background to the Thailand Cambodia Border Dispute

The current escalation in the thailand cambodia border dispute follows a long-standing disagreement over their 800km land border, first drawn by French cartographers in 1907. Tensions sharply increased in July after rocket attacks and air strikes killed dozens.

Although an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire” was agreed in October, both sides later accused each other of violations. Thailand has accused Cambodian forces of laying landmines, while Cambodia says the mines date back to the 1980s civil war.

The thailand cambodia border dispute continues to intensify, with border crossings closed, fighting ongoing, and conflicting claims over ceasefire efforts. Despite international mediation and earlier agreements, both countries accuse each other of aggression as military operations and civilian evacuations persist along the contested frontier.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the thailand cambodia border dispute about?
The thailand cambodia border dispute centers on a long-contested 800km land border drawn in 1907. Both countries claim parts of the boundary, leading to periodic military clashes. The current fighting is one of the most serious escalations in years.

Why did Cambodia close its border crossings with Thailand?
Cambodia closed the crossings due to ongoing fighting and security concerns. The interior ministry said the closures would remain until further notice. The move reflects rising tensions in the thailand cambodia border dispute.

Did Thailand and Cambodia agree to a ceasefire?
US President Donald Trump claimed both sides agreed to a ceasefire after talks. However, neither Thailand nor Cambodia confirmed an immediate halt to fighting. Continued clashes suggest the ceasefire has not taken effect.

How many people have been affected by the thailand cambodia border dispute?
At least 700,000 people have been evacuated from border areas. Dozens have been killed or injured on both sides. The fighting has disrupted life across multiple provinces in both countries.

What role has the US played in the thailand cambodia border dispute?
The US has acted as a mediator, with President Trump claiming to broker ceasefire agreements. Previous talks led to an October agreement, though violations were later reported. Recent US involvement has not yet stopped the fighting.