Thailand says attacks on Cambodia to continue despite Trump ceasefire claim

Thailand says attacks on Cambodia to continue despite Trump ceasefire claim

## Ceasefire Claim Contested as Tensions Persist on Thai-Cambodian Border

**Phnom Penh, Cambodia** – Despite claims of a ceasefire brokered by external parties, the Cambodian Ministry of Defence has reported continued military incursions by Thai forces, raising concerns about the fragility of peace efforts in the disputed border region. The Ministry alleges that Thai F-16 fighter jets conducted bombing raids on targets within Cambodian territory, casting a shadow over recent pronouncements of de-escalation.

The allegations come after reports suggesting a truce had been agreed upon following a period of heightened military activity along the contentious border. The exact nature of the purported ceasefire remains unclear, and neither the Thai government nor the mediating party has issued a formal statement confirming its implementation.

The Cambodian Ministry of Defence, in a statement released late yesterday, detailed the alleged violations. While the statement did not specify the precise locations targeted, it emphasized the severity of the incursions and their potential to destabilize the already volatile situation. “These actions are a clear violation of Cambodian sovereignty and undermine any efforts towards a peaceful resolution,” the statement asserted.

The root of the conflict lies in a long-standing territorial dispute over a section of the border, including the area surrounding the Preah Vihear temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. While the International Court of Justice ruled in favor of Cambodia’s sovereignty over the temple in 1962, disagreements persist regarding the demarcation of the surrounding land. This ambiguity has led to periodic outbreaks of violence between the two nations’ armed forces.

The current escalation began several weeks ago, reportedly triggered by disagreements over troop deployments in the contested zone. Both sides have accused the other of initiating hostilities, leading to a build-up of military personnel and equipment along the border. The resulting clashes have resulted in casualties on both sides and displaced thousands of civilians, forcing them to seek refuge in safer areas.

The international community has expressed growing concern over the escalating tensions. Several nations and international organizations have urged both Thailand and Cambodia to exercise restraint and engage in constructive dialogue to resolve their differences peacefully. Calls for a verifiable ceasefire and the establishment of a joint monitoring mechanism have been gaining momentum.

However, the latest allegations of continued Thai military activity raise serious questions about the commitment of all parties to de-escalation. Analysts suggest that a lack of clear communication and coordination between the involved actors may be contributing to the confusion and hindering efforts to implement a genuine ceasefire.

The situation remains fluid and unpredictable. Without a concerted effort to address the underlying causes of the conflict and establish a robust mechanism for monitoring and enforcing a ceasefire, the risk of further escalation remains high. The future stability of the region hinges on the willingness of both Thailand and Cambodia to prioritize diplomacy and engage in good-faith negotiations to achieve a lasting and peaceful resolution to their border dispute. The allegations of continued military action underscore the urgent need for a transparent and verifiable ceasefire, lest the region descend further into conflict.

This article was created based on information from various sources and rewritten for clarity and originality.