SAMRAONG, July 27 — Hostilities between Thailand and Cambodia reignited on Sunday morning, marking the fourth consecutive day of conflict along their disputed border, despite both nations previously agreeing in principle to a ceasefire following a phone call with US President Donald Trump.
The escalating violence, centered near ancient temples straddling the northern Cambodian and northeastern Thai frontier, has already claimed at least 33 lives and displaced over 200,000 people, in what is now the bloodiest border conflict between the two Southeast Asian nations in years.
Following Trump’s late-night call with both leaders on Saturday, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai expressed willingness to enter immediate ceasefire negotiations. However, by early Sunday morning, artillery fire resumed, shaking the Cambodian town of Samraong, located roughly 20 kilometers from the conflict zone.
Cambodian Defence Ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata accused Thai troops of launching attacks near the contested temple areas at 4:50 a.m., while Thailand’s Army Deputy Spokesman Ritcha Suksuwanon claimed Cambodian forces initiated shelling around 4:00 a.m. in a bid to capture key strategic positions.
Despite repeated diplomatic efforts, both sides continue to blame each other for undermining peace initiatives. Cambodia has accused Thai forces of “deliberate and coordinated acts of aggression,” while Thailand’s foreign ministry accused Cambodia of targeting civilians and violating humanitarian laws. In particular, Thai authorities reported that shells landed in residential zones in Surin province.
As tensions grow, both countries remain entrenched in a long-standing border dispute dating back decades. This week’s combat — involving jets, tanks, and ground troops — is concentrated in rugged, jungle-covered hills and farmland areas where rice and rubber are cultivated.
Casualties continue to rise, with Thailand reporting 20 fatalities — including seven soldiers and 13 civilians — while Cambodia has confirmed the deaths of eight civilians and five soldiers. The humanitarian toll is also growing: over 138,000 people have been evacuated from Thai provinces, and 80,000 displaced in Cambodia.
Following an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting on Friday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire and a return to diplomatic channels. Cambodia’s ambassador to the UN, Chhea Keo, echoed this sentiment, urging a peaceful resolution.
Both sides have also exchanged accusations over the use of illegal weapons and the targeting of civilian infrastructure, adding to concerns of a wider regional crisis if diplomacy continues to falter.
