The armed conflict in the border area between Cambodia and Thailand continued on Sunday despite the statements of the prime ministers of both countries that they are ready to negotiate a ceasefire. On Saturday, US President Donald Trump reported on their interest to end this dispute, which has so far claimed at least 34 victims after he phoned both prime ministers.
New artillery rainfall broke out in the border area between North Cambodia and Northeastern Thailand, where most of the fighting took place on Sunday morning local time.
According to the spokeswoman of the Cambodian Ministry of Defense, Thailand attacked around 4.50 local time (Saturday 23.50 CEST). “In all combat zones … They used the Thai forces of artillery, drones and aircraft to launch heavy grenades, bombs and cassette ammunition to Cambodian territory,” said spokeswoman according to the daily Phnom Penh Post.
A representative of the spokesman for the Thai army, on the other hand, claimed that fire had launched Cambodia at around 4.00 am local time. The Thai daily Khaosod reported that the attacks occurred in Surin province. Trump on Saturday on the social network Truth Social confirmed that the Prime Ministers of Cambodia and Thailand agreed to accelerated negotiations on the ceasefire.
Disputes over the defining of the border
Cambodian leader Hun Manet said on Sunday that his country “agreed to a proposal for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire between the two armed forces” and Trump thanked Trump for his initiative. He added that his Minister of Foreign Affairs will negotiate with the head of US diplomacy Marc Rubio about the agreement with Thailand.
The reigning Thai Prime Minister Pchúmtcham Véčajaj confirmed after Trump’s contributions that Bangkok is interested in starting the negotiations “as soon as possible”. He stressed, however, that the Cambodian side must first prove a serious interest in peace.
Thailand and Cambodia have a long -lasting dispute over the definition of a border in the area known as an emerald triangle. In May, he grew into cross -border struggles with one victim in the ranks of Thai soldiers. Since then, both parties have taken retaliatory measures.
Thailand has limited cross -border contact and Cambodia stopped the import of some raw materials and foods. The new conflict escalated on Thursday only shortly after the countries expelled each other’s diplomatic representatives. According to AFP, more than 200,000 people have been displaced.
