Tensions Escalate Despite Ceasefire Between Thai and Cambodian Forces
What was supposed to be a diplomatic breakthrough between Thailand and Cambodia has quickly unravelled, as both sides offer conflicting accounts of a ceasefire deal that was meant to de-escalate tensions along their shared border.
On 28 July, acting Thai Prime Minister Puttam and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet met in Malaysia to finalise a truce aimed at halting ongoing military friction. The agreement was set to take effect from midnight on 29 July, with military representatives from both nations scheduled to commence peace talks at 7:00 a.m. the same day.
However, the meeting was postponed repeatedly—first to 10:00 a.m., then indefinitely—with no clear timeframe for when dialogue would resume. In the meantime, accusations and denials have flown across the border.
Thai Army Claims Five Locations Bombarded Post-Ceasefire
Thailand’s military has accused Cambodia of violating the ceasefire mere hours after it came into force, claiming that Cambodian forces carried out attacks in five locations: the Emerald Triangle (Chong Bok), Chong An Ma, Sam Taek, Prasat Ta Kwai, and Phu Makuea.
According to Thai Army spokesperson Major General Wentai Suwari, Cambodia’s actions constitute a deliberate breach of the peace agreement. “Even after midnight, Cambodian troops have continued to fire into Thai territory,” he said, stressing that Thailand was left with no choice but to retaliate in legitimate self-defence.
He went on to label Cambodia a threat to regional stability, accusing it of failing to honour international commitments and undermining cross-border trust. “These provocations reflect poorly on Cambodia’s credibility as a responsible member of the international community,” he warned.
Cambodia Denies Gunfire, Claims Full Compliance with Ceasefire
In stark contrast, Cambodia’s Defence Ministry has categorically denied all accusations, asserting that no gunfire has been heard since the ceasefire commenced. Lieutenant General Maly Sochetha, spokesperson for the ministry, stated that both countries had honoured the truce and halted all hostilities as agreed.
“Since 29 July at 12:00 a.m., both the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and the Royal Thai Army have ceased fighting,” Sochetha said. He further stressed that the situation on the ground remained calm from the Cambodian side and denied any knowledge of the alleged attacks.
This stark discrepancy between the two accounts has thrown doubt over the durability of the ceasefire and the sincerity of the peace talks, which now appear increasingly uncertain.
Uncertain Road Ahead for Regional Peace Talks
Despite the current stalemate, both sides still claim to be committed to dialogue. High-level military officials including Thailand’s First and Second Military Region commanders and Cambodia’s Fourth and Fifth Region counterparts are still expected to meet—though no new date has been fixed.
Observers warn that if both countries fail to establish a mutual understanding, the situation could quickly deteriorate into a prolonged military standoff, threatening the stability of Southeast Asia’s border security landscape.
With both sides trading blame and peace talks hanging in limbo, it remains to be seen whether diplomacy or distrust will prevail in this escalating border conflict.