Escalating Conflict Between Thailand and Cambodia Amid Diplomatic Efforts

Fighting between Thailand and Cambodia continues despite claims from former President Donald Trump that both countries' leaders agreed to renew a ceasefire. According to the Cambodian Ministry of Information, Thai forces, including fighter jets, continued to strike targets across their disputed border just hours after Trump's announcement.

Thai military officials accused Cambodia of violating international rules by targeting civilian locations and laying landmines. Trump stated on his Truth Social platform that the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia had agreed to cease all shooting effective that evening and to return to a previous peace accord made in October.

However, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul denied the existence of any ceasefire and stated that military actions would continue until threats to Thailand's land and people are eliminated. Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet acknowledged the need for a peaceful resolution but advised the U.S. and Malaysia to verify which side initiated the latest round of fighting.

The conflict has roots in historical territorial disputes, exacerbated by a 1962 international court ruling that awarded sovereignty to Cambodia. At least 20 people have been reported killed during the recent clashes, with Thailand deploying jet fighters for airstrikes and Cambodia using BM-21 rocket launchers.

Damage from the conflict has affected residential areas near the border, and Thailand reported that it destroyed military command and control structures near the Preah Vihear temple, a site of ongoing contention.