Thailand, Cambodia clash as ceasefire hopes falter.
Thailand and Cambodia Agree to Ceasefire Talks After US President’s Intervention
Immediate and Unconditional Ceasefire Proposed by Cambodian Prime Minister
The two neighbours, popular destinations for millions of foreign tourists, announced that they were ready to begin talks to end the fighting after US President Donald Trump spoke to the two prime ministers late Saturday.
Despite the agreement, artillery clashes erupted on Sunday morning near two ancient temples that sit at the heart of the frontier region between northern Cambodia and northeast Thailand.
Fresh Clashes Over Strategic Temples
- Thai forces began attacking the temples at 4:50 am according to Cambodian Defence Ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata.
- Cambodian forces started firing artillery around 4:00 am as the two sides battled for control of strategic positions, Thai Army Deputy Spokesman Ritcha Suksuwanon said.
- Artillery rattled the windows of the Cambodian town of Samraong, about 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the frontline, according to AFP reporters.
Calls for Immediate Ceasefire from Both Sides
Both Thailand and Cambodia have said they are willing to start talks to end the fighting after the late-night US President’s intervention.
- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said his country “agreed with the proposal for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire between the two armed forces.”
- He added that his Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn will talk to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to coordinate with the Thai side, but warned Bangkok against reneging on any agreement.
- Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said he had agreed in principle to entering a ceasefire and starting talks “as soon as possible.”
- He warned that Cambodia must show “sincere intention” to bring about peace.
Impact of the Conflict
- Thailand reports that seven of its soldiers and 13 civilians have been killed, while Cambodia has confirmed eight civilian deaths and five military.
- The conflict has forced more than 138,000 people to be evacuated from Thailand’s border regions, and 80,000 have been driven from their homes in Cambodia.
- Both sides blame the other for firing first. Cambodia accuses Thai forces of using cluster munitions, while Thailand accuses Cambodia of targeting civilian infrastructure, including a hospital hit by shells.
UN Security Council Urges Peaceful Resolution
After an urgent United Nations Security Council meeting on Friday in New York, Cambodia’s UN Ambassador Chhea Keo said his country wanted “an immediate ceasefire” and a peaceful resolution of the dispute.
UN Chief Antonio Guterres urged both sides Saturday to “immediately agree to a ceasefire” and hold talks to find a lasting solution.
“The Secretary‑General condemns the tragic and unnecessary loss of lives, injuries to civilians and the damage to homes and infrastructure on both sides,” his deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said in a statement.
