Ceasefire Negotiated by Trump Between Thailand and Cambodia Faces Challenges

The ceasefire brokered by President Trump between Thailand and Cambodia seemed to be in effect on Tuesday, but Thailand has accused Cambodia of breaching the agreement by conducting “continuous and indiscriminate attacks” on its territory along the border.

Scheduled to take effect at midnight, this agreement marked a handshake between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai acting Prime Minister Phumsam Wechayachai on Monday. However, Thai officials reported that, even after the ceasefire began, Cambodian troops continued their fire across the border.

“Our response was measured. When they shot, we shot back, but we didn’t escalate things. So right now, it’s relatively calm,” noted a local military commander.

This assessment came despite ongoing complaints about violations. The commander stated it was crucial to halt the shooting and refrain from moving troops for new attacks, allowing both sides to recover from recent casualties.

For senior military leaders, reaching an agreement on the ceasefire was significant, given that the military holds considerable political power in both countries, sometimes outside civilian control.

“We’ve agreed to avoid deploying more troops, which is a major step forward,” remarked Lim Mengur, director of the Cambodian House of Representatives.

Lim also expressed optimism, stating, “If Thailand adheres to the terms we agreed on and approaches the conflict calmly, I believe the situation can normalize soon.”

This border conflict, which has simmered for years, reignited last Thursday when five Thai border guards were injured by landmines, with one soldier losing a leg in the incident.

Observers were taken aback by the swift and vigorous exchanges of fire between the Thai and Cambodian troops. The two nations have been grappling with a border dispute that stems from incomplete treaties and unresolved delineations for over a century.

Hostilities have erupted multiple times in recent years, often sparked by accusations of trespassing in areas deemed sacred. The intricate blend of religion and national pride appears to complicate any consensus on where the border should lie and which ancient temples belong to each nation. The mine that injured the soldiers was reportedly a remnant from a previous conflict.

Last week, the situation deteriorated rapidly, leading to at least 38 fatalities and the evacuation of over 260,000 individuals. President Trump emphasized the importance of a ceasefire, noting that intensifying hostilities would jeopardize trade agreements with both nations.

Trump had been negotiating between the Thai and Cambodian sides, eventually arranging a meeting between Wechayachai and Manet, where the ceasefire was formalized by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

A regional analyst mentioned that while Thailand has the advantage in military power, its unstable economy could suffer if a conflict leads to increased tariffs from the U.S. Both sides are thus motivated to support Trump’s calls for a ceasefire, as failing to reach an agreement could result in a 36% tariff on their exports to the U.S. at the week’s end.

“Cambodia is fully on board with U.S. initiatives, especially President Trump’s efforts, to bring the conflict to a swift resolution,” Lim Meghur said on Monday.

He added that Prime Minister Manet quickly accepted Trump’s offer to mediate the conflict.

The ceasefire has allowed some villagers who evacuated on Tuesday to return home.

However, there’s still unease among locals. “I’m worried that fighting might resume. Thailand tends to initiate conflict but blames it on us, aiming to take control of our temples. I really hope we don’t face another battle,” remarked a local resident.

Another returning villager expressed doubt, sharing, “It’s just the first day of the ceasefire, and I’m not really convinced. If fighting breaks out again, I’ll have to leave.”