US President Donald Trump said on Friday that Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to revive a ceasefire after several days of violent fighting along their border. He shared the announcement on his social media platform, TruthSocial, after holding separate phone conversations with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet.
Trump said both sides committed to stopping the violence immediately and returning to an earlier peace agreement.
“They have agreed to CEASE all shooting effective this evening, and go back to the original Peace Accord made with me, and them, with the help of the Great Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim,” Trump wrote in his post on Friday.
Background of the Earlier Truce
The original ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia was first arranged in July, with Malaysia acting as the mediator. At that time, Trump also played a role by pressing both countries to accept the truce. He had warned that he could withdraw trade benefits if the two sides refused to agree.
Later, the ceasefire deal was formally signed in October during a regional meeting held in Malaysia. Trump attended that meeting as well. However, even after the agreement, tensions did not fully ease.
Fragile Peace and Continued Tensions
Despite the formal deal, both countries continued a hostile exchange of statements. Minor clashes along the border also continued, showing that the peace remained fragile. The renewed violence in recent days highlighted how quickly the situation could deteriorate.
Long History of Border Disputes
The conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has deep historical roots. The main issue revolves around disputed territorial claims near the border. These disputes trace back to a 1907 map drawn during the French colonial period in Cambodia. Thailand has long argued that this map is flawed.
Tensions worsened in 1962 after the International Court of Justice ruled in favor of Cambodia, granting it sovereignty over the disputed area. That decision still angers many people in Thailand and continues to shape relations between the two neighbours.
Military Actions on Both Sides
Earlier this week, Thailand deployed fighter jets and carried out airstrikes, which it said targeted military positions. In response, Cambodia used BM-21 rocket launchers, which have a firing range of about 30 to 40 kilometres.
According to figures released by Thai public broadcaster ThaiPBS, at least six Thai soldiers were killed by rocket shrapnel during the clashes.
Damage Near the Border
On Thursday, Thailand’s northeastern regional army command said Cambodian forces fired BM-21 rockets that damaged homes and residential areas close to the border. The Thai military also said it destroyed a tall crane located on a hill controlled by Cambodia, near the historic Preah Vihear temple.
Thai officials claimed the crane was being used to support military command and control operations, as it allegedly carried electronic and optical equipment. They said this was the reason it was targeted and destroyed.
Uncertain Calm Ahead
While the renewed ceasefire offers a pause in fighting, the long-standing disputes and recent military escalation suggest that tensions remain high. Much will depend on whether both sides respect the agreement and avoid further provocations in the coming days.