Cambodia: Thailand Continues to Occupy Territory Despite Ceasefire
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet accuses Thailand of continuing to occupy Cambodian territory despite a ceasefire mediated by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has publicly accused Thailand of ongoing territorial occupation in Cambodia, claiming that Thai forces remain deeply entrenched in disputed areas. This assertion comes despite a ceasefire established in December 2022 that was facilitated by U.S. President Donald Trump. Manet states that the Thai military has erected barriers that prevent Cambodian civilians from returning to their homes, raising significant humanitarian concerns.
The tensions between Cambodia and Thailand re-escalated in July 2023, leading to the most severe conflict in over a decade. Manet's comments underscore the fragile state of the ceasefire which was broken shortly after a peace agreement was signed in October. This agreement was touted as a collaborative effort involving the Thai and Malaysian leadership but ultimately unraveled, highlighting the volatility in regional relations and the challenges of sustaining peace in contested areas.
The situation at the border has been described by Hun Manet as "fragile," indicating that without consistent diplomatic engagement and monitoring, the potential for renewed hostilities remains high. The involvement of international mediators and the need for a sustainable resolution appear critical, not only for the affected communities but for maintaining broader regional stability in Southeast Asia.