Thailand's caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has denied claims made by former US President Donald Trump regarding a ceasefire agreement with Cambodia, as violent clashes continue along the border. The situation has escalated dramatically, with both nations exchanging fire and suffering casualties.

Ongoing Clashes
Heavy fighting erupted along the Thai-Cambodian border, with reports indicating that at least two civilians were injured by Cambodian artillery fire. Thai forces have responded with airstrikes, further intensifying the conflict. The recent violence follows a clash on December 7 that left two Thai soldiers wounded, leading to a deterioration of the fragile peace that had been established earlier this year.

Ceasefire Announcement
Trump announced a supposed ceasefire agreement on his social media platform, stating that both countries had agreed to halt hostilities and return to a previous peace accord. However, Charnvirakul refuted this claim, asserting that Thailand would continue its military operations until Cambodia ceases its attacks. The Thai foreign minister expressed disappointment over Trump's remarks, emphasizing that they do not accurately reflect the situation on the ground.

Cambodia's Position
In response to the ongoing conflict, Cambodia has suspended all border crossings with Thailand. Prime Minister Hun Manet did not confirm Trump's ceasefire announcement in his statements but mentioned the desire for a peaceful resolution. He urged the US and Malaysia to utilize their intelligence resources to ascertain the origins of the latest hostilities.

Historical Context
The current conflict marks a continuation of tensions that have persisted for years between the two nations, often fueled by territorial disputes and national pride. The ceasefire promoted by Trump in July had temporarily quelled violence, but recent events have shown that underlying issues remain unresolved.

Wrap-up
As both nations stand firm in their positions, the international community watches closely. The potential for further escalation raises concerns about regional stability and the humanitarian impact on civilians caught in the crossfire. The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic efforts needed to prevent further bloodshed.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team