Nepal UK
Photo Credit: Reuters
SOUTHEAST ASIA – Artillery attacks have continued between Cambodia and Thailand along their disputed border since early Sunday, despite a call for an immediate ceasefire from US President Donald Trump. Both nations accuse each other of initiating the latest hostilities.
The renewed clashes, now entering their fourth day, mark the worst fighting between the Southeast Asian neighbours in over a decade. The death toll has risen to more than 30 people, including civilians from both sides, and over 200,000 residents have been forced to leave their homes in border areas.
On Saturday, US President Donald Trump announced that he had spoken with the prime ministers of both Cambodia and Thailand. He stated that the leaders had agreed to meet immediately to work towards ending the conflict. Mr Trump also indicated that tariff negotiations with both countries were on hold until the fighting ceased.
Cambodia's Prime Minister, Hun Manet, quickly endorsed President Trump's proposal for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. He also noted that Cambodia had previously accepted a similar ceasefire offer from Malaysia.
However, Thailand’s acting Prime Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, while expressing gratitude to President Trump, stated that his country could not begin talks while Cambodian forces were targeting its civilians. He stressed Thailand prefers bilateral discussions between foreign ministers to set conditions for a ceasefire and the withdrawal of troops and long-range weapons.
He affirmed that Thai soldiers would continue their operations until a clear agreement is reached, ensuring the safety of their people and protecting national interests. Meanwhile, reports from the Thai province of Sisaket confirmed ongoing shelling throughout Sunday.
The current escalation follows a brief skirmish in late May that resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier, and recent incidents involving landmines. Forces on both sides of the border were subsequently reinforced, leading to a significant diplomatic crisis.
The long-standing border dispute, spanning decades, primarily involves undemarcated sections along their 800-kilometre land frontier. Ownership of ancient Hindu temples, including Preah Vihear and Ta Moan Thom, remains central to these disagreements.
The International Court of Justice awarded the Preah Vihear temple to Cambodia in 1962. However, tensions escalated significantly in 2008 when Cambodia sought to register it as a UNESCO World Heritage site, triggering skirmishes that claimed several lives over subsequent years. Cambodia has again requested the world court to resolve these ongoing disputes, though Thailand maintains it does not recognise the court's jurisdiction and prefers a direct, bilateral approach.
As tensions persist, the urgent plea for peace echoes across a volatile border. (Reporting by Reuters)
