Thailand–Cambodia Border Violence Resurges Despite Trump-Witnessed Ceasefire

Thailand–Cambodia Ceasefire Collapses as Fresh Clashes Erupt

Barely six weeks after Thailand and Cambodia signed a high-profile ceasefire in Kuala Lumpur—witnessed by former US President Donald Trump—the longstanding border dispute has reignited with fresh intensity. Before dawn on Monday, Thai forces launched airstrikes targeting Cambodian military positions, claiming retaliation for an earlier attack that killed one soldier and injured several others. The strikes destroyed a cable car and access steps near the Prasant Ta Krabei temple complex, intensifying tensions across the frontier.

Cambodia denied initiating hostilities, accusing Thailand of unprovoked air and artillery strikes, including the alleged use of toxic gas. Officials in Oddar Meanchey reported injuries to civilians, and by midday thousands of residents were fleeing border villages. The rapid escalation echoed the events of July, when a minor skirmish spiralled into a five-day conflict that displaced more than 300,000 people.

Why the October Truce Failed

The 26 October ceasefire, mediated by Malaysia, was ambitious but structurally weak. It lacked a verification mechanism, relying solely on the goodwill of two militaries with deep-rooted mistrust. Its fragility surfaced early when Thailand suspended implementation after a landmine blast on 11 November. Renewed gunfire the following day signalled that the agreement was already fraying.

Historical Roots of the Dispute

The conflict’s origins lie in an undemarcated border shaped by a 1907 French colonial map. While the ICJ ruled in 2013 that the Preah Vihear temple promontory belongs to Cambodia, surrounding slopes remain disputed, making the region prone to sudden flare-ups.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Ceasefire signed on 26 October 2025 in Kuala Lumpur.

• Ceasefire witnessed by Donald Trump and brokered by Malaysia.

• ICJ’s 2013 ruling favoured Cambodia regarding the temple site.

• July 2025 clashes caused 43 deaths and 300,000+ displaced .

Regional Diplomatic Fallout

The renewed fighting undermines both ASEAN mediation and Trump’s claim of brokering a breakthrough. Without neutral monitoring, miscommunication and mistrust are likely to drive further instability.