A Fragile Peace: The Ongoing Thailand-Cambodia Ceasefire

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A Fragile Peace: The Ongoing Thailand-Cambodia Ceasefire

The ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia, which came into effect on July 28, 2025, remains highly volatile. Despite the cessation of major armed conflict, both nations continue to accuse one another of violating the terms of the agreement, highlighting a deep-seated mistrust rooted in decades of historical and territorial disputes.

Historical Context of the Conflict

The roots of the conflict extend back to colonial-era treaties. The Franco-Siamese treaties of 1904 and 1907 established the border, but ambiguities and a French-drawn map that deviated from the agreed-upon watershed line led to a long-running dispute. While the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in 1962 that the Preah Vihear Temple belonged to Cambodia, the ownership of the surrounding land remained contested. This historical tension, combined with nationalist sentiment on both sides, has fueled repeated border clashes, with the latest escalation in July 2025 becoming the most serious since 2011.

Allegations of Ceasefire Violations

Cambodia's Accusations Against Thailand: Cambodia has lodged formal complaints with the United Nations and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), alleging that Thai forces have repeatedly breached the ceasefire. Key accusations include:

  • Continued Military Presence: Cambodian officials claim Thai troops have not fully withdrawn from contested zones.

  • Civilian Harm: Allegations have been made that Thai forces have forcibly displaced civilians, erected barbed wire in residential areas, and laid new landmines.

  • Detention of Soldiers: Cambodia continues to demand the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers reportedly captured and held by Thai forces.

Thailand's Counterclaims Against Cambodia: Thailand has vehemently denied Cambodia's claims and, in turn, has accused its neighbor of its own violations. Thailand's counterarguments and allegations include:

  • Aggressive Provocation: Thai military spokespersons have stated that their forces have only responded in "self-defense" to provocations initiated by Cambodian troops, including small arms fire and rocket attacks.

  • Evidence of Violations: Thailand claims to have video and photo evidence of Cambodian troops laying new landmines, and has announced plans to present this evidence to the governing body of the Ottawa Treaty.

  • Ongoing Hostilities: The Thai government has highlighted several specific incidents, including a mine explosion that injured three Thai soldiers, to support their claim that Cambodia is not acting in good faith.

Humanitarian and Diplomatic Impact

The recent fighting has had a devastating humanitarian toll. The five days of intense clashes in July 2025 killed at least 38 people and displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians on both sides of the border. Reports indicate that over 150,000 Cambodians and 20,000 Thais were forced to flee their homes. Displaced civilians are now living in makeshift shelters with poor sanitation and limited access to essential services. Humanitarian organizations, such as the Humanitarian Response Forum (HRF), report that the lingering fear of unexploded ordnance (UXO) is preventing many people from returning home, even after the fighting has stopped.

Diplomatic efforts are ongoing, but progress remains slow. While Malaysia, as the current ASEAN chair, brokered the initial ceasefire, the deployment of a proposed ASEAN observer team has been hindered by a lack of trust. The United Nations Secretary-General and major world powers, including the United States and China, have welcomed the ceasefire but are urging both nations to fully respect the agreement and exercise restraint. However, the continuous public accusations from both Bangkok and Phnom Penh suggest that a permanent solution is not yet in sight.

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