Fresh Clashes Erupt as Thailand, Cambodia Talk Ceasefire

Thailand and Cambodia engaged in fresh fighting on Sunday, marking the fourth consecutive day of hostilities, despite both nations expressing readiness to negotiate a ceasefire following a late-night intervention by US President Donald Trump.

The deadly border conflict, centred around ancient temples in a disputed frontier zone, has so far claimed at least 33 lives and displaced over 200,000 people. Trump spoke with the prime ministers of both countries on Saturday night, urging them to agree on an immediate ceasefire and begin talks.

However, early Sunday morning, new artillery exchanges broke out near the contested temples. Cambodia’s defence ministry claimed Thai forces began attacking at 4:50 am, while Thailand accused Cambodian troops of initiating fire around 4:00 am.

The border dispute, located in a region of dense jungle and agricultural land, has escalated dramatically with tanks, jets, and ground troops deployed by both sides.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet stated his country agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and instructed the foreign minister to coordinate with the US and Thai counterparts. Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai also indicated support for ceasefire talks “as soon as possible”.

Despite the diplomatic overtures, both sides continued to blame each other for the violence. Thailand accused Cambodia of firing into civilian areas in Surin province, while Cambodia denied initiating the attacks and described Thailand’s actions as “deliberate and coordinated aggression.”

Thailand reported 20 deaths—seven soldiers and 13 civilians—while Cambodia confirmed the deaths of eight civilians and five soldiers. Evacuations have displaced 138,000 people in Thailand and 80,000 in Cambodia.

The conflict prompted an emergency meeting at the UN Security Council, where Cambodia called for an immediate ceasefire. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also urged both countries to end hostilities and pursue a peaceful resolution.

Amid the continued exchanges, both nations remain locked in a standoff over the demarcation of their 800-kilometre shared border, large portions of which remain disputed.