Thailand’s army accuses Cambodia of violating the ceasefire deal with UAV incursions after deadly border clashes displace nearly a million people.

ceasefire deal, Thailand Cambodia border, unmanned aerial vehicles, military tension, international relations

Thailand Accuses Cambodia of Violating Ceasefire Deal with UAV Incursions

Background: Rising Tensions Along the Border

In a recent escalation of the long-standing dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, the Thai army has accused Cambodia of breaching a newly signed ceasefire deal. The agreement was hoped to end weeks of deadly clashes that forced nearly one million people to flee their homes along the border.

According to a statement from the Thai army, more than 250 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were detected crossing from the Cambodian side on Sunday night—less than 48 hours after the official ceasefire began.

The ceasefire deal, effective from noon local time (05:00 GMT) on Saturday, mandated both sides to hold their positions, ban new reinforcements, and allow displaced civilians to return as soon as possible.

Reactions from Both Sides

The Royal Thai Army condemned the actions as “provocation and a violation of measures aimed at reducing tensions,” describing them as inconsistent with the ceasefire terms. The statement also warned that Thailand may reconsider the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers detained since July if such incidents persisted.

In response, Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn downplayed the incursion, calling it “a small issue related to flying drones seen by both sides along the border,” according to AFP news agency.

The tension comes just hours after both China and the United States, who encouraged talks leading to the agreement, praised the ceasefire’s implementation. China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi lauded the “hard-won” ceasefire, while US President Donald Trump commended the “rapid and fair conclusion.”

History of the Ceasefire Deal and Ongoing Disputes

The dispute between Thailand and Cambodia has deep historical roots, dating back more than a century over territory and religious heritage sites along the border. Earlier this year, tensions escalated after a group of Cambodian women sang patriotic songs at a contested temple, reigniting nationalistic sentiments on both sides.

A series of deadly clashes, including the killing of a Cambodian soldier in May, plunged diplomatic relations to their lowest point in over a decade. Five days of intensive fighting left dozens of soldiers and civilians dead and displaced thousands more.

A fragile ceasefire deal was brokered in July, then formally signed in October. However, the truce rapidly deteriorated earlier this month with a new wave of border skirmishes—each side blaming the other for violating the agreement.

For a deeper background on the ongoing tensions, see our article: The dispute between Thailand and Cambodia is not new.

Implications for Regional Stability

The latest incident threatens not only the ceasefire deal but also regional stability in Southeast Asia. The use of UAVs introduces a modern dimension to an age-old conflict, complicating efforts for peaceful resolution.

Observers from the United Nations peacekeeping community are monitoring the situation closely, as a breakdown in the ceasefire could have far-reaching humanitarian and political consequences for neighboring countries.

Conclusion

The future of the ceasefire deal remains precarious as both sides trade accusations. The international community continues to urge restraint, hoping that diplomatic channels can address the underlying issues before a new wave of violence erupts.

Read more updates on the Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire deal

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