Latest news with #Thai-Cambodia
Borneo Post
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Thailand and Cambodia trade allegations of truce breaking
Handout photo from the Royal Thai Army on July 29, 2025 shows commanders of the Royal Thai Army (left) and Royal Cambodian Army meeting at the Thai-Cambodia border near the Chong Chom border crossing between Thailand's Surin province and Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey province. – AFP photo BANGKOK (July 30): Thailand and Cambodia exchanged allegations today of breaching a ceasefire deal which has largely halted the open combat that engulfed their frontier. The nations agreed a truce starting Tuesday after five days of clashes killed at least 43 on both sides, as a long-standing dispute over contested border temples boiled over into fighting on their 800-kilometre boundary. But Thailand's foreign ministry said its troops in Sisaket province 'came under attack by small arms fire and grenade assaults launched by Cambodian forces' in an offensive which continued until this morning. 'This represents a flagrant violation of the ceasefire agreement,' said a foreign ministry statement. Thai government spokesman Jirayu Huangsab also reported overnight clashes but said in a statement 'the Thai side maintained control of the situation' and 'general conditions along the border are reported to be normal' from 8am (0100 GMT). Today, a Cambodian defence ministry official accused Thailand of twice the previous day breaching the ceasefire, intended to end fighting which has seen the two countries evacuate a total of more than 300,000 people from the border region. At a temple in Thailand's Surin city serving as a shelter and field kitchen 50 kilometres away from the frontier, volunteer Thanin Kittiworranun said evacuees remain in limbo. 'We don't believe Cambodia will hold the ceasefire,' the 65-year-old told AFP. But an AFP journalist on the Cambodian side who heard a steady drumbeat of artillery fire since fighting began last Thursday reported hearing no blasts between the start of the truce and this morning. And Beijing said deputy foreign minister Sun Weidong hosted a Shanghai meeting with Thai and Cambodian officials where both 'reaffirmed to China their commitment to abide by the ceasefire consensus'. 'Still fragile' The armistice got off to a shaky start in the early hours of Tuesday, with Thailand accusing Cambodia of continuing attacks in 'a clear attempt to undermine mutual trust' — before peace generally prevailed. Meetings between rival commanders along the border — scheduled as part of the pact — went ahead, with Thailand's army saying de-escalation steps were agreed including 'a halt on troop reinforcements or movements that could lead to misunderstandings'. But later in the day a foreign affairs spokeswoman for Bangkok's border crisis centre, Maratee Nalita Andamo, warned: 'In this moment, in the early days of the ceasefire, the situation is still fragile'. Jets, rockets and artillery have killed at least 15 Thai troops and 15 Thai civilians, while Cambodia has confirmed only eight civilian and five military deaths. The flare-up has surpassed the death toll of 28 in violence that raged sporadically from 2008 to 2011 over the territory, claimed by both nations because of a vague demarcation made by Cambodia's French colonial administrators in 1907. The peace pact was sealed in Malaysia after intervention from US President Donald Trump — who both Thailand and Cambodia are courting for a trade deal to avert his threat of eye-watering tariffs. – AFP breach cambodia ceasefire Thailand
Mint
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Mint
Thai-Cambodian Truce Tested as Monitors Head to Disputed Border
(Bloomberg) -- Thailand accused Cambodian troops of unprovoked firing in violation of a ceasefire agreement, as international observers prepare to visit the disputed border areas to monitor the truce. Thai military positions at Phu Makua in the northeastern frontier area came under attack from small arms fire and grenade assaults by Cambodian forces from late Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning, Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. The Thai army also reported attacks in two other areas on Wednesday. 'Such acts of aggression constitute once again a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement by Cambodian forces and their apparent lack of good faith,' the ministry said. Cambodia's defense ministry denied reports of any fresh clashes, and said the country remains fully committed to respecting and implementing all terms of the ceasefire. A delegation of diplomats, foreign military attachés to Cambodia and relevant parties will visit the Cambodia-Thailand border to observe 'the actual situation,' Cambodian Defense Ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata said in a statement. The apparent border skirmishes more than 24 hours after the ceasefire went into effect highlight the difficulty civilian authorities face in enforcing the truce on the ground. The clashes had initially subsided following a Tuesday meeting between military commanders, which brought a tentative pause in the fighting. The ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia came after five days of deadly clashes, which killed more than 40 people and displaced about 300,000 along their roughly 800-kilometer (500-mile) border. The truce — moderated by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations — followed pressure from US President Donald Trump. Read: Trump to Resume Thailand, Cambodia Trade Talks After Truce Malaysia will dispatch two observation teams, led by its military attaches in Cambodia and Thailand, Socheata said, citing the chief of the Malaysian armed forces, who is in Phnom Penh. To deescalate the border tension, Thai and Cambodian troops have agreed to coordination teams to resolve any new conflicts and prevent their recurrence. A meeting of the General Border Committee — a bilateral forum to address security issues — is scheduled for Aug. 4. The Thai-Cambodia conflict traces its roots to long-standing disputes stemming from colonial-era maps and treaties that defined boundaries. Relations had remained relatively stable since a 2011 clash that left dozens dead, before erupting into intense fighting last week. More stories like this are available on
Focus Malaysia
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
PAS lawmaker blasted for ‘monkey-ing' PMX's role as mediator in Thai-Cambodia conflict
Editor's Update: It has been reported that renewed clashes have erupted along the Thailand-Cambodia border hours after PMX's-brokered ceasefire was reached between both nations. The Royal Thai Army has accused Cambodian forces of overnight attacks in Phu Makheua that caused exchanges of fire that lasted into the morning. Renewed clashes have erupted along the Thailand-Cambodia border hours after a ceasefire was reached between the 2 nations. The Royal Thai Army has accused Cambodian forces of overnight attacks in Phu Makheua that caused exchanges of fire that lasted into the morning. 🧵1 — BFM News (@NewsBFM) July 29, 2025 NEVER mind if US president Donald Trump wants to claim credit for brokering peace in the Thailand-Cambodia stand-off. But if one has nothing good to say about Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who, too, was notably instrumental in the ceasefire accord, better say nothing at all. That was the advice proffered to PAS information chief Fadhli Shaari by DAP lawmaker Syahredzan Johan. The latter pointed out that the Pasir Mas MP was a known acquaintance and is very vocal in criticising PMX. That was fine according to the Bangi MP as it is his prerogative as an opposition MP. But there was no need for Fadhli to mock the efforts of PMX in mediating in the Thai-Cambodia border conflict. He was responding to a since deleted post on Fadhli's social media platforms which depicted PMX's role akin to a monkey mediating between a goat and sheep fighting over a banana. As chair of ASEAN, Malaysia was definitely expected to play a vital role in trying to resolve a conflict that has claimed dozens of lives and displaced thousands. As widely reported, Anwar was successful in brokering a ceasefire between the warring neighbours. Not wanting to allow an opportunity for political point scoring to slip, Syahredzan used this episode of Fadhli's folly to paint a picture of Malaysia under Perikatan Nasional (PN) rule. This was a clear indication of the nation's stance towards any regional conflict with the likes of Fadhli in Putrajaya, warned Syahredzan. Not content with Fadhli merely deleting the offensive post, the DAP national vice-chairman demanded that the PAS legislator apologise to PMX and to the people of Thailand and Cambodia. The post has already generated 1.5K likes, 338 comments, 394 comments and 277 shares at time of writing, underlining that the PAS lawmaker's faux paus has not gone unnoticed. Some commenters stated that Fadhli is seen as one of the Islamist party's brightest sparks. 'Can you imagine what the less bright within the party's ranks are like?' they mockingly asked. One commenter demanded that elected reps have the requisite academic qualifications – notably a diploma or degree – to hold office. Same as when a person is job-hunting, these MPs must be suitably qualified. Lamenting that Malaysians deserve better elected representatives, he argued that such incompetence needed to be erased. One commenter even argued that while DAP is constantly demonised for being anti-Islam, its leaders tend to display greater moral aptitude compared to its peers from the Islamist party. This episode was just an abuse of the freedom of speech, he added. This is just another example of PAS being blinkered in its approach. It is the consequence of playing to the gallery and constant fault finding with PMX and the Madani administration – sometimes it just backfires rather spectacularly. All that Fadhli seems to have succeeded in doing is to bring shame to himself, his party and the nation. – July 30, 2025 Post-script: Even human rights activist and lawyer Siti Kasim who is no PMX fan has stood by the latter in this instance for credit must be given if it's due.
Malaysiakini
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Anwar and Trump's role in Thai-Cambodia ceasefire
YOURSAY | Anwar's Asean mediation and Trump's tariff pressure. US praises Anwar for mediating Thai-Cambodia ceasefire 'President of peace': Trump says he ended Thai-Cambodia row FellowMalaysian: Asean countries do not appreciate the US meddling in their transboundary disputes or clashes between member countries. It was Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim who assisted and managed to defuse the situation after ceasefire talks that were held in Malaysia, as this year's Asean chair. The ceasefire was agreed upon at midnight yesterday, and we hope Thailand and Cambodia abide by the terms they have reached. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's statement was just to show US President Donald Trump's big muscles. The presence of US officials in Kuala Lumpur during the mediation was seen more as observers, a gratuitous act that no one appreciates. It would probably be seen as meddlesome by the Thais and the Cambodians. So, get out and stay out. Anonymous_3f4b: Actually, it was Trump who forced both sides to the negotiating table, as he threatened to halt tariff negotiations with the two countries if they did not agree to a ceasefire. Malaysia merely played host and facilitator due to logistical convenience and being the chair of Asean for this year. Thailand and Cambodia had no choice but to agree to peace to continue their tariff engagements with the US, which Trump happily said would continue after congratulating them for the ceasefire settlement. Trump further declared that he was the 'president of peace' for forging peace between Thailand and Cambodia. But there was no mention of Anwar by Trump. Pink: So what was Anwar's role in this when he was at the mediation process? Why is Trump claiming credit? This mediation process was supposed to project Anwar as a world leader, but Trump is stealing the limelight. MalaysiaLiberty: If we take a step back and look at the bigger picture, we might see that Trump deserves the most credit for helping to bring about the ceasefire. Anwar did play a visible but lesser role in hosting the talks. It is not as if the two warring countries' decision to stop fighting was due to Anwar's counsel, but rather because they want to be in Trump's good books to receive favourable deals on trade, the economy, and so on from the still-powerful US. Koel: The US administration sounds desperate to claim credit for playing 'mediator'. Makes you wonder. Did someone start this skirmish for this purpose? Are they poring through the world map every day to find any skirmish to be packaged as 'war' so they can muscle in for some pretend action? After all, the current White House resident is said to be desperate for a Nobel Prize. So what better way than to wait for an opportunity for a border skirmish between comparatively tiny, faraway nations? And then, this wannabe is all over the media, yapping away from Scotland about peace. What a pathetic and incredible source of international mirth. MarioT: While we are happy to note Anwar's successful mediation in the dispute, our home front needs tidying up too. The crutches and extra assistance given to the major race must be reviewed for a more equitable distribution of wealth to all races. This racist policy has resulted in unimaginable looting of our money by those entrusted to safeguard our interests. Your reformation policies must include fairness to all. The checks and balances must not tilt too far to one side at the expense of the other. All citizens of this country deserve fair treatment. WhiteLlama4337: Wah Anwar - successfully mediating peace talks between Thailand and Cambodia. Anwar - could you also mediate the dispute between farmers and Perak state authorities, especially in your own constituency of Tambun? You know, the eviction of farmers from land they have farmed for decades, by claiming that it was actually state land all the while. The farmers there are growing food that Malaysians need. How come this issue doesn't get your attention, huh? TaaS: Nice circus. Anwar is there to take photos, make himself look good and take credit. Typical of this chameleon. What did he really do to stop the skirmish? Malaysia knows all too well that Anwar can't even solve simple issues in his own backyard. Sherlock: Good job, Anwar, proud of you. You have put Malaysia in a very favourable position on the world stage. Now, Trump will revise the tariff lower, making it easier for Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz to negotiate. Good. Growing Old Lonely: Charity starts at home. Please settle all the conflicts and inequalities in Malaysia first. The above is a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers. Only paying subscribers can post comments. In the past year, Malaysiakinians have posted over 100,000 comments. Join the Malaysiakini community and help set the news agenda. Subscribe now. These comments are compiled to reflect the views of Malaysiakini subscribers on matters of public interest. Malaysiakini does not intend to represent these views as fact.
Japan Times
14 hours ago
- Politics
- Japan Times
Fragile Thailand-Cambodia truce faces challenges on day one
Fighting along the Thai-Cambodian border came to a halt Tuesday after military commanders from both countries met to enforce a ceasefire agreement reached a day earlier. The military officials agreed not to target civilians or deploy more troops along the border, said Thai army spokesman Winthai Suvaree. The meeting was delayed after the Thai army accused Cambodian troops of triggering clashes across their disputed border after the ceasefire officially went into force at midnight. Phnom Penh denied the charge. Thailand and Cambodia agreed to the ceasefire following a push by U.S. President Donald Trump, who had threatened to halt trade deals with either country as long as the fighting continued. The truce came after five days of clashes that included airstrikes and artillery shelling, which left at least three dozen dead and displaced over 300,000 people along the roughly 800-kilometer border. The in-person military meeting was arranged during Monday's talks between Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Premier Hun Manet, hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Envoys from the U.S. and China also attended. Thailand said there was gunfire in several locations just hours after the ceasefire took effect, casting doubt on whether the deal would hold. Thai officials said they would gather evidence of the violations and inform the U.S., China and Malaysia. Cambodian Defense Ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata denied the allegations. Lim Menghour, director general of the National Assembly of Cambodia, said in an interview Tuesday afternoon that military officials from Cambodia and Thailand held two rounds of talks Tuesday, agreeing to improve communication and stop sending troops to the border. He added that Cambodia fully implemented the agreement. "There are no more armed clashes. There's no more fighting along the border,' he said. Thailand's benchmark stock index jumped as much as 1.5% to a five-month-high on signs of easing border tensions. The baht weakened 0.2% to 32.45 per dollar amid broad greenback strength. The truce will remain "tentative and fragile' without neutral observers, according to Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a professor of political science at Chulalongkorn University. "There's so much hostility, so much anger, and nationalism is running high on both sides,' Thitinan said. It will take strong leadership to make people understand the ceasefire was worth pursuing despite the distrust, but that remains a "vulnerability' for both countries, he said. The Thai-Cambodia conflict traces its roots to long-standing disputes stemming from colonial-era maps and treaties that defined boundaries. Relations had remained relatively stable since a 2011 clash that left dozens dead, before erupting into intense fighting last week. As part of measures to enforce the ceasefire, Thai and Cambodian troops will set up teams to resolve any new conflicts and prevent their recurrence, Winthai said. A meeting of the General Border Committee — a bilateral forum to address security issues — will be held as agreed on Aug. 4. Following the ceasefire agreement, Trump announced that the U.S. would resume trade negotiations with Thailand and Cambodia, both of which currently face 36% tariffs. Thai leader Phumtham said Bangkok expects to get a "very good' trade deal from the Trump administration. Thai Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira said Tuesday the country was "very close' to securing a U.S. deal.
