Thailand Says Attacks on Cambodia to Continue Despite Trump Ceasefire Claim

 Thailand Says Attacks on Cambodia to Continue Despite Trump Ceasefire Claim

Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have intensified after Thailand announced that it would continue military operations against Cambodia, directly contradicting claims by former U.S. President Donald Trump that a ceasefire had been reached between the two Southeast Asian neighbors. The conflicting statements have raised fresh concerns about stability in the region and highlighted the fragile nature of diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the long-running border dispute.

The dispute centers on contested areas along the Thailand–Cambodia border, a region that has witnessed periodic clashes for decades. In recent days, fighting has escalated, with reports of artillery exchanges, air strikes, and troop movements on both sides. Civilian populations living near the border have been forced to flee, creating a growing humanitarian concern.

Donald Trump claimed on social media that Thailand and Cambodia had agreed to halt hostilities following discussions involving regional mediators. According to Trump, both sides had accepted a ceasefire framework that would revive earlier peace agreements and pave the way for negotiations. His statement was widely circulated internationally and briefly raised hopes that the fighting might soon end.

However, Thai officials quickly rejected this narrative. Thailand’s leadership stated that no such ceasefire agreement was in effect and that military operations would continue as long as Thai territory and national security were perceived to be under threat. The Thai government emphasized that its actions were defensive in nature and aimed at protecting sovereignty rather than escalating the conflict.

Thai authorities also expressed frustration over what they described as ongoing provocations from the Cambodian side. Military spokespeople claimed that Cambodian forces had violated previous understandings and increased their presence near disputed zones. In response, Thailand argued it had no choice but to maintain pressure through continued military engagement.

Cambodia, for its part, accused Thailand of intensifying attacks despite international calls for restraint. Cambodian officials alleged that Thai forces carried out air strikes and shelling in border areas, damaging infrastructure and endangering civilians. Phnom Penh has repeatedly called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged the international community, including ASEAN, to intervene more decisively.

The roots of the conflict lie in historical disagreements over border demarcation, many of which date back to colonial-era maps. One of the most sensitive flashpoints has long been the area surrounding ancient temple sites and nearby territory, which both nations consider strategically and culturally important. While international courts and regional forums have attempted to clarify boundaries in the past, enforcement on the ground has remained inconsistent.

Analysts say the current escalation reflects deeper political and strategic calculations within both countries. Nationalist sentiment, domestic political pressures, and concerns over military credibility have all contributed to hardened positions. As a result, even high-profile international statements, such as Trump’s ceasefire claim, have had little practical impact on developments on the ground.

The continued fighting has serious humanitarian implications. Thousands of residents on both sides of the border have been displaced, schools have closed, and trade routes have been disrupted. Aid organizations warn that prolonged conflict could strain local resources and worsen living conditions for vulnerable communities.

Regional observers stress that a sustainable solution will require direct dialogue between Bangkok and Phnom Penh, supported by neutral mediation. ASEAN, which has traditionally promoted non-interference while encouraging peaceful resolution of disputes, is seen as a key platform for renewed negotiations. Without a mutually recognized ceasefire and confidence-building measures, experts warn that clashes could become more frequent and deadly.

In the meantime, the gap between diplomatic claims and military realities remains stark. Thailand’s insistence on continuing attacks despite ceasefire statements underscores how fragile peace efforts are in the absence of clear, jointly accepted agreements. Until both sides align their words with actions, the Thailand–Cambodia border is likely to remain a flashpoint of instability in Southeast Asia.