Thailand–Cambodia Fighting Escalates as Trump’s Claimed Ceasefire Falls Apart

Fighting broke out again on Saturday along the Thailand–Cambodia border. The clash continued even after former U.S. President Donald Trump said he secured a new ceasefire. Thai officials said they never agreed to any deal.

The conflict zone sits near long‑disputed territory that has seen repeated clashes in recent years. According to Reuters, heavy fire was reported early Saturday, including airstrikes and rocket attacks.

Thailand–Cambodia Border Clash Intensifies Despite Ceasefire Claims

Thai officials said Trump’s remarks did not reflect the real situation. They said the supposed agreement was never confirmed by Thailand. Cambodia did not comment directly on the ceasefire claim, but its defence ministry reported Thai airstrikes on Saturday morning.

Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said Trump misunderstood key facts. He said the land-mine blast that wounded Thai troops was not a “roadside accident.” He said it was a clear act of aggression that triggered the latest wave of fighting.

The conflict resurfaced after a December 7 skirmish. Two Thai soldiers were wounded, breaking a July ceasefire pushed by Malaysia and backed by Trump. That ceasefire had ended five days of previous combat over the same disputed region.

According to AP News, more than half a million people have now fled the border area. At least two dozen deaths were confirmed in the past week. Thailand reported 15 troops killed and estimated 165 Cambodian troop deaths, while Cambodia reported civilian casualties.

Regional Pressure Grows as Leaders Weigh Long‑Term Peace Options

Trump spoke Friday with both Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. He later announced that both leaders had accepted a new ceasefire. But Thailand publicly rejected that claim hours later.

Cambodia also avoided saying a ceasefire was reached. Hun Manet thanked Trump and Malaysia’s prime minister for seeking peace. But he did not confirm that Cambodia agreed to stop fighting.

According to BBC News, Malaysia urged both sides to adopt a monitored ceasefire by Saturday night. Cambodia signaled support for the idea. Thailand denied any talks were underway.

Fighting spread on Saturday as Thailand struck what it described as military positions. Cambodia fired BM‑21 rockets, which are known for wide impact zones and poor accuracy. Thai officials said rockets hit a civilian area in Sisaket province, injuring two people.

Thailand’s navy also joined the clash. A warship shelled Cambodia’s Koh Kong province. Each side accused the other of firing first.

The Thailand–Cambodia border conflict remains tense. The main keyword “Thailand–Cambodia fighting” reflects the core of the crisis. Both sides now face rising pressure to halt fire as global concern grows.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is causing the Thailand–Cambodia fighting?

The fighting stems from long-running border disputes. A land-mine blast on December 7 triggered the latest clash. Both sides blame each other for the violence.

Q2: Did Thailand agree to Trump’s ceasefire claim?

No. Thai officials said no new ceasefire was agreed. They said Trump’s statement did not match the facts.

Q3: How many people have been displaced?

According to major news outlets, more than half a million people have fled the border area. Many villages were emptied during the rocket and airstrike exchanges.

Q4: What weapons are being used?

Cambodia has fired BM‑21 rockets with wide impact zones. Thailand has carried out targeted airstrikes and naval shelling.

Q5: Are peace talks happening now?

Malaysia urged both sides to join a monitored ceasefire. Cambodia supported the idea. Thailand said no talks were taking place.