In a significant development, Thailand has accused its neighbor Cambodia of "deliberately" violating a ceasefire that was only recently negotiated to end a brutal cycle of conflict resulting in the loss of at least 33 lives. The ceasefire, reached on Monday, aimed to quell five consecutive days of artillery exchanges and rocket assaults along the two nations' contentious border.
Tensions Resurge as Thailand Accuses Cambodia of Ceasefire Violation
Tensions Resurge as Thailand Accuses Cambodia of Ceasefire Violation
Thailand charges Cambodia with breaching a newly established ceasefire following violent border clashes that have resulted in numerous casualties.
Despite Thailand's military declaring that it ceased operations after midnight, they reported ongoing gunfire from Cambodia, claiming it came from multiple frontlines right into Tuesday morning. Conversely, Cambodia's defense ministry communicated to AFP that no armed confrontations had resumed following the initiation of the ceasefire. However, discussions took place between military commanders from both nations as per the ceasefire agreement, with a commitment made to stop hostilities and allow for the retrieval of fallen soldiers.
Heightened tensions between Thailand and Cambodia trace back to a historical dispute over their border, escalating sharply in May when a Cambodian soldier was killed during skirmishes. This led to a series of retaliatory actions and fatalities among both civilians and soldiers, prompting large-scale evacuations.
Recently, in a bid to stabilize relations, the leaders of both countries met in Malaysia, facilitated by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasized the discussions as productive, while Thailand's participation was reportedly influenced by external pressures surrounding tariffs imposed by the United States.
This volatile situation is compounded by decades-old grievances, including backlash over Cambodia's efforts to register a historic temple as part of UNESCO’s World Heritage Site, which incensed Thai authorities. As hostilities continue, both countries have fortified their military presence at the border, instigating further economic restrictions, heightening the urgency for a peaceful resolution.
Why are Thailand and Cambodia fighting at the border?
Thailand and Cambodia agree to 'immediate ceasefire'
The fractured friendship behind the fight at the Thailand-Cambodia border.
Heightened tensions between Thailand and Cambodia trace back to a historical dispute over their border, escalating sharply in May when a Cambodian soldier was killed during skirmishes. This led to a series of retaliatory actions and fatalities among both civilians and soldiers, prompting large-scale evacuations.
Recently, in a bid to stabilize relations, the leaders of both countries met in Malaysia, facilitated by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasized the discussions as productive, while Thailand's participation was reportedly influenced by external pressures surrounding tariffs imposed by the United States.
This volatile situation is compounded by decades-old grievances, including backlash over Cambodia's efforts to register a historic temple as part of UNESCO’s World Heritage Site, which incensed Thai authorities. As hostilities continue, both countries have fortified their military presence at the border, instigating further economic restrictions, heightening the urgency for a peaceful resolution.
Why are Thailand and Cambodia fighting at the border?
Thailand and Cambodia agree to 'immediate ceasefire'
The fractured friendship behind the fight at the Thailand-Cambodia border.
