Fighting has flared up for a third consecutive day on the Thailand-Cambodia border, marking a collapse of the truce brokered by US President Donald Trump in July. Both Asian neighbors are trading severe accusations as casualties mount and hundreds of thousands of civilians are evacuated.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Renewed Fighting and Blame Game
Thai and Cambodian officials have vehemently blamed each other for the escalation.
- Thailand’s Objective: Thailand is operating with a clear, aggressive aim. A top general stated the army’s objective is to “cripple Cambodia’s military capability for a long time to come.”
- Cambodia’s Accusation: Cambodia’s Defence Ministry accused Thai forces of “indiscriminately and brutally targeting civilian residential areas” with artillery shells, stating their troops had to take defensive action. Bangkok rejects these allegations.
- Trigger for Tensions: The current tensions intensified after Thailand suspended de-escalation measures last month (agreed to in October). Bangkok claims this was done after a Thai soldier was injured by a landmine it alleges Cambodia newly laid, an accusation Cambodia denies.
Human Cost and Casualties
The renewed conflict is causing significant human loss and displacement:
- Displacement: Both countries have evacuated hundreds of thousands of people from the border areas.
- Reported Casualties (as of Tuesday night):
- Cambodia: Nine civilians killed and 20 seriously injured since Monday.
- Thailand: Four soldiers killed and 68 injured.
US Intervention and Diplomatic Deadlock
US President Donald Trump, who was central to the fragile truce, has stepped in to halt the renewed violence.
- Trump’s Pledge: Trump stated he would make a phone call to the leaders of both countries, claiming he could “stop a war of two very powerful countries, Thailand and Cambodia.” He previously brokered the July ceasefire, which ended clashes that killed at least 48 people.
- Stalled Negotiations: Diplomatic efforts are gridlocked.
- Thailand: Thailand’s Foreign Minister said there was no potential for negotiations and the situation was not conducive to third-party mediation. He also expressed opposition to using the threat of tariffs (a tactic Trump used in July) to force them into talks.
- Cambodia: Conversely, a top advisor to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said Cambodia was “ready to talk at any time.”
