Cambodia closed all crossings with Thailand after Bangkok rejected US President Donald Trump’s claim that a truce had been agreed to end days of deadly fighting. The clashes—rooted in a decades-old colonial-era border dispute—have displaced about 500,000 people and left at least 25 dead this week. Both sides accuse each other of attacking civilians and infrastructure, while regional leaders and mediators urge an immediate halt to hostilities.
Cambodia Closes Border Crossings With Thailand as Deadly Clashes Continue Despite Trump’s Truce Claim
Violence between the Southeast Asian neighbours has displaced around half a million people on both sides (TANG CHHIN Sothy)(TANG CHHIN Sothy/AFP/AFP)
Cambodia announced the immediate closure of all border crossings with Thailand on Saturday after Bangkok rejected a claim by US President Donald Trump that the two sides had agreed to a truce to halt days of deadly fighting.
Violence, Displacement and Casualties
The clashes stem from a long-running dispute over the colonial-era demarcation of their roughly 800-kilometre (500-mile) frontier and have forced about 500,000 people on both sides from their homes. At least 25 people have been killed this week, including multiple soldiers and civilians.
Thai authorities reported 14 soldiers and seven civilians killed overall, while Cambodia said four civilians were killed earlier this week. The Thai defence ministry said four Thai soldiers were killed in the border area on Saturday.
Border Closure and Accusations
Following Saturday’s fatalities, Phnom Penh said it would immediately "suspend all entry and exit movements at all Cambodia-Thailand border crossings," the interior ministry said. Each capital accused the other of reigniting the fighting, trading allegations that included attacks on civilian infrastructure and civilian casualties.
From the Thai side: The army reported six people wounded by Cambodian rockets and a navy spokesman said air force strikes had "successfully destroyed" two bridges allegedly used to move weapons into the conflict zone.
From the Cambodian side: Information Minister Neth Pheaktra accused Thai forces of expanding attacks to target civilian infrastructure and Cambodian civilians.
International Response and Mediation History
The United States, China and Malaysia (as ASEAN chair) brokered a ceasefire in July after an initial five-day bout of fighting. In October, the two countries signed a follow-up joint declaration to extend that truce, endorsed publicly by Mr. Trump. However, Thailand suspended the agreement the following month after Thai soldiers were wounded by landmines near the frontier.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged both sides to "cease all forms of hostilities and refrain from any further military actions." Regional and international actors have called for de-escalation amid growing humanitarian concerns.
Leaders' Statements and Local Reactions
After speaking by phone with both leaders, Mr. Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that they "have agreed to CEASE all shooting effective this evening, and go back to the original Peace Accord." Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul responded that Trump "didn't mention whether we should make a ceasefire" during the call and said the two leaders "didn't discuss" that topic in depth. Anutin later said "the one who violated the agreement needs to fix (the situation)."
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said his government "has always been adhering to peaceful means for dispute resolutions." On the ground, evacuees voiced scepticism: in Thailand one displaced resident said she no longer "trusts Cambodia anymore," while a Cambodian evacuee described being "sad" the fighting had not stopped despite outside intervention.
Humanitarian Concerns
AFP journalists at a displacement camp in Thailand's Buriram province observed residents contacting relatives near the border who reported that fighting continued. Aid groups and neighbouring states have warned of a worsening humanitarian situation if hostilities persist.
Reporting by regional correspondents; statements from Thai and Cambodian officials, and remarks by international leaders cited in public communications.
