Thailand and Cambodia Agree to Restart Ceasefire Brokered by US, Says Trump
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet have agreed to renew the ceasefire after days of deadly clashes along their border, with all shooting set to cease effective this evening. This agreement reverts to the original peace accord brokered with US involvement. The initial ceasefire was established in July through mediation by Malaysia and was pushed by pressure from then US President Trump, who threatened to withhold trade privileges to encourage peace. The deal was formalised in October at a regional meeting in Malaysia attended by Trump, with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim playing a key role in brokering the agreement.
Despite the ceasefire, a propaganda war continues between the two nations and minor cross-border violence has persisted. The border dispute has historical origins linked to a 1907 map and a 1962 International Court of Justice ruling which affirmed Cambodian sovereignty over the disputed territory; nonetheless, tensions remain high in Thailand.
Thailand has deployed jet fighters conducting airstrikes on what it describes as military targets, while Cambodia has used BM-21 rocket launchers capable of firing 30-40 km. Data from Thai PBS indicates that at least six Thai soldiers have been killed by rocket shrapnel. The Thai army reported that some border areas suffered damage from Cambodian BM-21 rockets and destroyed a tall crane near the Preah Vihear temple, which was believed to house military command and control devices.
