Fighting Continues at Thailand-Cambodia Border Despite Ceasefire Claims
Cambodia has closed all border crossings with Thailand as clashes continue between the two countries, despite claims of a ceasefire. The announcement by Cambodia’s interior ministry comes amid ongoing artillery exchanges and air strikes, with both sides reporting casualties.
Thai officials said four soldiers were killed on Saturday, bringing the total military death toll since Monday to 15, with 270 others injured. Six Thai civilians were also hurt. Cambodia has not provided updated military figures but reported civilian casualties earlier in the week. At least 700,000 people on both sides of the border have been evacuated.
US President Donald Trump previously stated that Thailand and Cambodia had agreed to “cease shooting,” citing discussions with both prime ministers. However, neither government confirmed an immediate ceasefire. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said a truce would only be possible after Cambodian forces withdrew and removed landmines, while Cambodian leaders insisted continued fighting was necessary to protect national sovereignty.
The conflict has affected six provinces in north-eastern Thailand and six provinces in Cambodia’s north and northwest. Cambodia’s defence ministry reported that Thai F-16 fighter jets bombed hotel buildings and a bridge, while Thailand confirmed continued clashes and civilian injuries from Cambodian rocket attacks.
The current escalation follows a long-standing dispute over the 800km land border, originally drawn by French cartographers in 1907. Tensions rose sharply in July after rocket attacks and air strikes killed dozens. An “immediate and unconditional ceasefire” agreed in October has since been undermined by accusations from both sides of violations, including disputes over landmines dating back to past conflicts.
