The border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia is escalating into a full-scale war, with the mobilization of fighter jets, marine special forces, and the navy.
The Thai military has identified casino buildings and “crime complexes” within Cambodian territory near the border as military strongholds and has been conducting daily airstrikes. At least 22 people have died in both countries, and the number of displaced persons has surpassed 500,000.
The Royal Thai Air Force announced on December 10 that it had deployed F-16 and JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets to bomb buildings including the Royal Hill Casino in Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey Province.
Although US President Trump announced that Thailand and Cambodia had agreed to halt all attacks starting from December 12, the Thai government has declared an ultra-hardline stance, effectively stating it will not shy away from an all-out war while skirmishes continue between the two nations.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul dismissed the possibility of third-party mediation, stating that there would be no further negotiations. He declared, “No end to military operations until threats against territory, people cease.” Furthermore, the military leadership disclosed specific operational goals to incapacitate Cambodia’s military power over the long term.
The Cambodian Ministry of National Defense also announced that it has completely blocked all border crossings with Thailand, stating that the Thai military has not stopped its bombings.
The White House repeatedly demanded the implementation of the peace agreement, asserting that it would hold anyone accountable if necessary to ensure a halt to the killing and guarantee a sustainable peace. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who mediated alongside Trump to ensure the peace agreement ceremony at the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Summit in October, also urged for restraint against further military actions.
In response, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet stated that he welcomed the proposal to end hostilities, but the Thai side stated, “A ceasefire cannot be declared while combat is ongoing,” adding that they would continue attacks until an agreement on the cessation of hostilities with Cambodia is reached.
Previously, the two countries engaged in small-scale skirmishes in May and a five-day armed conflict in July during their territorial disputes. At that time, 48 people died on both sides, and more than 300,000 became refugees.
Although a ceasefire agreement was later reached through the mediation of US President Donald Trump, the Thai government declared its non-compliance with the ceasefire agreement after a landmine exploded on the border of Thailand’s Sisaket Province on the 10th of last month, injuring Thai soldiers.
