The fighting between Thailand and Cambodia, which began more than a week ago, did not cease on Sunday, December 14. Despite US President Donald Trump's statements about a ceasefire, the parties continue to accuse each other of shelling territories.
Mutual accusations and attacks
According to a spokesperson for the Thai Ministry of Defense, Cambodia shelled and bombed several border provinces of the kingdom. In turn, Cambodia's Ministry of Defense also reported that Thailand shelled the country's territory with mortar shells and bombs after midnight.
Due to the escalation of hostilities, a curfew was imposed from 7:00 PM to 5:00 AM in several provinces of Thailand bordering Cambodia. The day before, Cambodia had closed border crossing points with Thailand.
Trump's unsuccessful mediation
On December 12, US President Donald Trump held telephone talks with the Prime Ministers of Thailand and Cambodia - Anuthin Chanvirakun and Hun Manet. He then announced that both countries had agreed to cease all hostilities starting that same day - December 12th.
However, neither Anutkhin nor Hun mentioned such an agreement in official statements following the conversation.
The Thai Prime Minister openly denied the existence of a ceasefire agreement.
Anutxin Chanvirakun (Facebook): "Thailand will continue military operations until it feels that the threat and danger to our country and population has disappeared."
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet also recalled the conversation with Trump, stating that the country continues to seek a peaceful solution based on the agreement signed in Kuala Lumpur in October.
Victims & history
Another escalation of this border dispute, which has been going on for decades, began on Monday, December 8th. In the battles, the sides are using rockets and artillery.
According to official data, as of December 14, at least 25 people from both sides have died. Among them are 14 Thai military personnel and 11 Cambodian civilians.
It should be recalled that after the previous escalation in July (when more than 40 people died in the 5-day battle), a ceasefire was achieved through US mediation. However, Thailand, citing the deaths of two soldiers from a mine explosion at the border in November, accused Cambodia of violating the agreement and withdrew from the actions.
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