Fierce clashes persisted on Saturday morning at the Thailand-Cambodia border despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s intervention as a mediator, claiming to have secured a new ceasefire agreement from both nations. Thai authorities countered, stating they had not agreed to a ceasefire, while Cambodia remained silent on Trump’s assertion but confirmed Thai airstrikes on Saturday. Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow criticized Trump’s comments, stating they did not accurately reflect the situation, particularly regarding a landmine explosion that injured Thai soldiers. Sihasak emphasized Thailand’s displeasure with Trump relying on potentially distorted information from sources instead of acknowledging Thailand’s historical alliance with the United States.
The recent outbreak of violence stemmed from a skirmish on December 7, which led to casualties on both sides and disrupted a previous ceasefire endorsed by Trump in July, resolving a longstanding territorial dispute. Over the past week’s hostilities, official reports confirm over two dozen fatalities and more than 500,000 people displaced. The Thai military confirmed 15 soldier deaths and estimated 165 fatalities among Cambodian troops, with Cambodia reporting civilian casualties but not disclosing military losses.
Trump announced on Friday an agreement to reinstate the ceasefire after discussions with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. Both countries agreed to cease all hostilities starting that evening, reverting to the original peace accord brokered with the assistance of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. However, Thai authorities later refuted Trump’s claim of a ceasefire agreement, emphasizing the need for Cambodia to halt its attacks first. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed readiness to cooperate for lasting peace and endorsed the involvement of Malaysia and the United States in monitoring the ceasefire initiative.
The conflict escalated with Thailand conducting airstrikes on military targets, while Cambodia retaliated with BM-21 rockets, causing widespread disruption but minimal casualties. Notably, BM-21 rockets struck a civilian area in Sisaket province, injuring two individuals seeking shelter. The Thai navy also reportedly engaged in the fighting by shelling Cambodia’s Koh Kong province from the Gulf of Thailand. Both sides accused each other of initiating hostilities, further escalating tensions along the border.