Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia increased sharply early Sunday when Cambodian soldiers fired on Thai troops near the Ta Kwai temple in Thailand’s Surin province. This attack happened just hours after both countries publicly announced a ceasefire agreement. The fresh clashes were reported by local media outlet Khaosod, raising new fears about the stability of the agreement and the possibility of a drawn-out conflict.
Ceasefire Deal Under Pressure
Late Saturday, Thailand’s foreign ministry said it had “agreed in principle” to a ceasefire with Cambodia and was open to direct talks. However, the Sunday morning violence has cast doubt on whether that agreement will hold.
Civilian Suffering Grows
The human impact of the ongoing conflict is worsening. On Saturday, Cambodian officials confirmed 12 new deaths, raising their total death toll to 13. Meanwhile, Thailand’s military said that one more soldier had died, pushing its total number of deaths to 20 most of them civilians.
The violence has also triggered massive evacuations. Cambodia’s Information Minister Neth Pheaktra reported that over 10,865 families, or around 37,635 people, had to flee from three provinces along the border. Thai authorities said more than 131,000 civilians were relocated from nearby villages.
Trump Claims He’s Mediating the Crisis
Former US President Donald Trump claimed he was trying to mediate the conflict. On Truth Social, Trump said he spoke with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and planned to contact Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. “Just spoke to the Prime Minister of Cambodia relative to stopping the War with Thailand… We do not want to make any [trade] deal with either Country, if they are fighting—and I have told them so!” Trump wrote.
He also drew comparisons to a previous crisis in South Asia, “Many people are being killed in this War, but it very much reminds me of the Conflict between Pakistan and India, which was brought to a successful halt.”
Thailand later confirmed Trump’s call and said it remained committed to diplomacy. Acting Prime Minister Phumtham reportedly asked Trump to tell Cambodia that Thailand was ready for immediate peace talks.
UN Calls for Immediate Ceasefire
UN Secretary-General António Guterres also voiced concern. He urged both nations to end the fighting right away and offered UN help to support peace efforts. “I am deeply concerned about the recent armed clashes… I remain available to assist in efforts towards a peaceful resolution of the dispute,” Guterres posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Dispute Rooted in Border Temples
The conflict is tied to decades-old tensions over historic temple sites located along the Thai-Cambodian border. These rural areas, filled with jungle and farmland, have often sparked nationalist tensions and military standoffs.
Since fighting resumed, both sides have used artillery and rockets. Thailand initially denied using cluster bombs, but later admitted they “may be employed when necessary.”
Human Rights Watch condemned the use of such weapons, especially near civilians, warning of long-term dangers.
Neither country has signed the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions, and both were previously criticized for using the same weapons during a 2011 border conflict that killed 20 people.
