Ceasefire Fraying: Thailand Accuses Cambodia of Violations Minutes After Agreement

In a fragile ceasefire that was meant to halt days of violent conflict, Thailand has accused Cambodia of breaching the newly established truce merely hours after it was agreed upon, highlighting deteriorating relations between the two nations.

Thailand has leveled serious accusations against Cambodia for allegedly violating a ceasefire that both countries agreed upon to quell intense border clashes resulting in at least 33 fatalities and widespread displacement. The ceasefire, established on Monday, aimed to bring an end to five days of escalating violence that saw bombardments and rocket fire along their shared border.

According to the Thai military, they ceased their fire after midnight, yet they claimed to have encountered continuing gunfire from Cambodian forces at multiple locations throughout the morning hours. Conversely, Cambodia's defense ministry reported no armed conflicts since the ceasefire commenced, insisting on a different account of events.

Compounding the tensions, a military meeting intended to consolidate the ceasefire agreement has faced multiple postponements and may never occur. Historical disputes over the border have been exacerbated since May when the death of a Cambodian soldier during a clash heightened military tensions. This escalated last week following a landmine incident injuring five Thai soldiers.

In reaction to the violence, Thailand has shut down several border crossings and expelled the Cambodian ambassador while recalling its own from Phnom Penh. Cross-border hostilities intensified early Thursday when Cambodia retaliated with a barrage of rockets aimed at Thailand, with reports of civilian casualties noted on both sides.

Despite the turmoil, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet stated the frontlines had stabilized since the ceasefire began. The agreement envisioned a military pullback and proposed independent monitoring to avert further clashes following a recent diplomatic meeting between Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, mediated by Malaysia's Anwar Ibrahim.

The ongoing tensions have roots in a century-old territorial dispute, exacerbated particularly since 2008 when Cambodia attempted to register a temple in the contested area as a UNESCO World Heritage site — an action met with fierce protests from Thailand. Sporadic clashes have continued over the years, resulting in casualties from both nations. Recently, bilateral relations have degraded significantly, with import bans and increased military presence along the border marking a new chapter of hostilities in the historic dispute.