By Kamal Yalwa | July 29, 2025
Thailand has accused Cambodia of “deliberately” violating a newly brokered ceasefire agreement aimed at halting border hostilities that have killed at least 33 people and displaced tens of thousands.
The ceasefire, agreed upon by both nations on Monday, was supposed to bring an end to five days of intense bombardments and rocket attacks along their disputed border. However, Thai military officials claimed that despite halting fire at midnight, they continued to receive gunfire from Cambodian forces at multiple locations into Tuesday morning.
In contrast, Cambodia’s Ministry of Defence told AFP that there had been “no armed clashes” since the ceasefire took effect.
Despite the tensions, military commanders from both sides held talks on Tuesday as part of the truce arrangement. They reportedly agreed to halt further attacks, suspend troop movements at the frontline, and allow each side to retrieve their dead.
Tensions between the Southeast Asian neighbours have been escalating since May, when a Cambodian soldier was killed in a skirmish near the contested border. The conflict intensified last week after five Thai soldiers were injured by a landmine, prompting Thailand to shut some border crossings, expel the Cambodian ambassador, and recall its envoy from Phnom Penh.
The conflict reached a flashpoint when Cambodia launched multiple rocket attacks into Thai territory after both sides exchanged gunfire last Thursday. Several civilians were killed, and more lives were lost in the days that followed, forcing tens of thousands of residents to evacuate to shelters.
Heavy exchanges of fire continued up until the midnight deadline for the ceasefire on Monday, with Thailand reportedly conducting airstrikes on Cambodian positions.
Despite Thailand’s latest accusations, Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet said on Tuesday morning that “frontlines have eased” since the truce came into force.
The ceasefire deal, which mandates troop withdrawals and independent monitoring, was the outcome of a meeting between Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai in Malaysia. The meeting was facilitated by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Cambodia, militarily outmatched by Thailand, had been actively pushing for a ceasefire. Hun Manet described the negotiations as a “very good meeting.”
Thailand, initially hesitant to engage in talks, agreed to the truce after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to suspend trade negotiations unless both sides ceased hostilities.
Long-standing tensions over a centuries-old border dispute have strained relations between Thailand and Cambodia for years. A major flashpoint was the 2008 attempt by Cambodia to register the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple—located in the contested area—as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which triggered a strong backlash from Thailand.
Since May, the conflict has reached its most dangerous levels in over a decade. Both countries have imposed trade and border restrictions, with Cambodia banning imports of Thai fruits, vegetables, and digital services, while both sides ramped up their military presence along the border.
The situation remains tense as the international community watches closely for signs of de-escalation.
