Thailand has vowed to continue military operations in its border conflict with Cambodia, disputing claims by former U.S. President Donald Trump that he brokered a ceasefire between the two nations.
Border Conflict Continues
As fighting entered its sixth day, Cambodia’s Information Ministry accused Thailand of escalating attacks on villages and civilian infrastructure on Dec. 13, alleging that Thai fighter jets bombed a hotel and two bridges in Veal Veng district, western Pursat province. Cambodia’s Defence Ministry stated that Thai forces continued bombing.
Trump’s Ceasefire Claim Disputed
Mr. Trump claimed on Dec. 12 that he had successfully negotiated a truce after speaking with Thai Premier Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. He posted on Truth Social that both leaders had agreed to cease all shooting and revert to a previous peace accord, with the assistance of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Mr. Trump also stated that a landmine incident resulting in Thai casualties was an accident, but that Thailand had retaliated strongly. The specific incident referenced by the former President remains unclear.
Thailand Rejects Trump’s Account
Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow expressed concern that some of Mr. Trump’s statements “don’t reflect an accurate understanding of the situation and some of the points are inconsistent with the facts.” He argued that Thailand’s retaliation was proportionate and corrected Mr. Trump’s characterization of landmine incidents as “roadside bombings or accidents.”
Mr. Anutin responded to Mr. Trump in a Facebook post, stating, “It is definitely not a roadside accident.” He affirmed that Thailand would continue military actions until it felt safe from threats, adding, “Our actions this morning (Dec 13) already spoke.”
International Efforts to De-escalate
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has requested the deployment of an ASEAN Observer Team, led by the Malaysian chief of defence forces, to monitor the situation and promote transparency. The mission will be supported by satellite monitoring capabilities provided by the U.S. government, with findings to be presented at the ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting on Dec. 16.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet requested the U.S. and Malaysia to utilize their “intelligence-gathering capabilities,” such as satellite imagery, to determine which side initiated the gunfire on Dec. 7.
Impact on Civilians
The ongoing conflict has displaced civilians. Chuob Chanthea, a 30-year-old cook, lost her income after the casino she worked at in O’Smach, Oddar Meanchey province, was shelled by Thai forces. She appealed to Mr. Trump to intervene with the Thai prime minister for a genuine ceasefire.
Y. Phalin, a 21-year-old farmer in Oddar Meanchey province, anticipates a prolonged stay at a temporary displacement camp. “Maybe we will have to stay away longer, as this fighting is bigger than before,” he said. “I don’t have any belief in the ceasefire anymore.”
Napon Jatusripitak, director of the Center for Politics and Geopolitics at the Thailand Future Institute, noted the challenging political landscape for Mr. Anutin, suggesting that a firm stance on the Cambodian issue is favored by many Thai voters, especially with upcoming elections.
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