Despite US President Donald Trump’s claim that Thailand and Cambodia had agreed to “immediately meet” for a ceasefire, intense fighting continued along the disputed border, displacing over 150,000 people and killing at least 23-10 in Thailand and 13 in Cambodia.
Trump, after speaking with leaders of both nations, said neither would receive a trade deal until the conflict ends. Cambodia expressed support for his efforts, but ground realities contradicted any progress.
On Sunday, Thailand accused Cambodia of launching early-morning attacks near temples and civilian areas, prompting retaliatory artillery fire. Cambodia, in turn, accused Thailand of unprovoked aggression in Pursat province.
The conflict, rooted in colonial-era border disputes, reignited Thursday and has since spread to multiple provinces. Both countries blame each other for initiating hostilities.
The clashes have left over 138,000 people displaced in Thailand and 23,000 in Cambodia, with civilian infrastructure including hospitals and petrol stations reportedly hit.
Tensions are further fueled by a personal feud between the influential fathers of both countries’ current leaders: Hun Sen of Cambodia and Thaksin Shinawatra of Thailand.
Regional and international calls for restraint continue, with Malaysia, China, and the UN urging both sides to de-escalate.
