Thailand has accused Cambodia of "deliberately" violating a ceasefire that was only hours old, despite attempts to stabilize a tense border situation that has already resulted in the deaths of at least 33 people and displaced thousands. The ceasefire, struck on Monday, was intended to quell five days of heavy bombardment and rocket exchanges, but it appears to be suffering under the strain of ongoing hostilities.
According to the Thai military, its forces ceased firing after midnight, yet they reported receiving gunfire from the Cambodian side at multiple locations until the early hours of Tuesday. In contrast, Cambodia's defence ministry insisted to AFP that there had been no armed clashes since the ceasefire commenced.
Despite the heightened accusations, local commanders from both nations engaged in discussions on Tuesday, adhering to the ceasefire terms. They agreed on halting further troop movements on the frontline and allowed for the collection of fallen soldiers. Tensions have been escalating since May, when a Cambodian soldier was killed, leading to an eruption of hostilities following a landmine explosion that injured five Thai soldiers.
In recent actions, Thailand has restricted border crossings, expelled the Cambodian ambassador, and retaliated with airstrikes following exchanges of fire. The fatal shooting of civilians on both sides had driven thousands to seek shelter as recent military confrontations persisted until the midnight deadline for the ceasefire. However, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet noted Tuesday morning that the situation had "eased" since the ceasefire began.
During a recent meeting facilitated by Malaysia’s leader Anwar Ibrahim, both countries discussed the ceasefire framework, addressing long-standing hostilities that date back over a decade, notably stemming from disputes regarding a UNESCO heritage site. Cambodia’s push for a ceasefire is seen as an urgent necessity, especially after a significant escalation in tensions this past May, which marks one of the lowest points in bilateral relations.
Both nations have strengthened their military presence along the border and enacted measures that restrict trade and movement. The future remains uncertain as both countries seek to navigate this complicated web of historical grievances and modern escalation.
According to the Thai military, its forces ceased firing after midnight, yet they reported receiving gunfire from the Cambodian side at multiple locations until the early hours of Tuesday. In contrast, Cambodia's defence ministry insisted to AFP that there had been no armed clashes since the ceasefire commenced.
Despite the heightened accusations, local commanders from both nations engaged in discussions on Tuesday, adhering to the ceasefire terms. They agreed on halting further troop movements on the frontline and allowed for the collection of fallen soldiers. Tensions have been escalating since May, when a Cambodian soldier was killed, leading to an eruption of hostilities following a landmine explosion that injured five Thai soldiers.
In recent actions, Thailand has restricted border crossings, expelled the Cambodian ambassador, and retaliated with airstrikes following exchanges of fire. The fatal shooting of civilians on both sides had driven thousands to seek shelter as recent military confrontations persisted until the midnight deadline for the ceasefire. However, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet noted Tuesday morning that the situation had "eased" since the ceasefire began.
During a recent meeting facilitated by Malaysia’s leader Anwar Ibrahim, both countries discussed the ceasefire framework, addressing long-standing hostilities that date back over a decade, notably stemming from disputes regarding a UNESCO heritage site. Cambodia’s push for a ceasefire is seen as an urgent necessity, especially after a significant escalation in tensions this past May, which marks one of the lowest points in bilateral relations.
Both nations have strengthened their military presence along the border and enacted measures that restrict trade and movement. The future remains uncertain as both countries seek to navigate this complicated web of historical grievances and modern escalation.
