Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have escalated significantly along their contested border, with both nations asserting their willingness to defend their sovereignty. The renewed clashes on Monday have raised concerns about the viability of a fragile ceasefire brokered by former US President Donald Trump in July 2023, which appeared to be in jeopardy.
The situation began to deteriorate as each country accused the other of instigating the violence. Hun Sen, the former Prime Minister of Cambodia, stated that the Cambodian forces waited for 24 hours to honor the ceasefire and facilitate evacuations before launching counterattacks against Thai positions. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, he emphasized, “Cambodia needs peace, but Cambodia is compelled to counterattack to defend our territory,” highlighting the military advantages his forces possess.
In response, military officials in Thailand reported clashes in five border provinces and mentioned ongoing operations in Trat Province aimed at expelling Cambodian soldiers. They alleged that Cambodia was employing artillery, rocket launchers, and drones in its attacks. Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri, spokesperson for the Thai Defence Ministry, asserted, “Thailand is determined to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity and therefore military measures must be taken as necessary.”
The human cost of the conflict has been significant. Cambodian authorities have reported that nine civilians have died and 20 others sustained serious injuries since the fighting reignited. Meanwhile, Thai officials confirmed three military fatalities and 29 injuries. Hun Manet, the current Cambodian Prime Minister and Hun Sen’s son, condemned Thailand’s military actions, stating that they should not attack civilian areas under the guise of reclaiming sovereignty.
In a concerning development, both countries have evacuated hundreds of thousands of residents from border regions amid the ongoing violence. Tensions have simmered since November 2022, when Thailand suspended de-escalation measures that had been agreed upon in a summit mediated by Trump. This followed an incident where a Thai soldier was injured by a landmine that Thailand attributed to Cambodia.
The recent clashes are the most severe since a five-day exchange of artillery in July 2023, which resulted in at least 48 fatalities and displaced approximately 300,000 people before Trump intervened to facilitate a ceasefire. Previous skirmishes have similarly escalated tensions, including the killing of a Cambodian soldier in May 2023, which led to significant troop deployments along the border.
Historically, Thailand and Cambodia have contested sovereignty over various undemarcated sections along their 800-kilometer land border. Disputes over ancient temples have fueled nationalist sentiments and led to intermittent armed confrontations, including a deadly exchange of artillery in 2011.
As the situation continues to unfold, both nations remain firm in their positions, raising the stakes for potential diplomatic resolutions. The international community is closely monitoring developments, as the ramifications of this conflict extend beyond the two countries, impacting regional stability in Southeast Asia.
