BANGKOK – A claim by former U.S. President Donald Trump of a brokered ceasefire has rapidly unraveled, with Thailand and Cambodia accusing each other of continuing attacks along their disputed border on Saturday. The situation underscores the deep distrust and ongoing violence despite high-level diplomatic intervention.

Thailand Voices ‘Deep Disappointment’ with U.S. Over Border Conflict Comments

The discord began late Friday when Trump posted on social media that, following phone calls with both leaders, Thailand and Cambodia had agreed “to cease all shooting” effective immediately. However, neither Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul of Thailand nor Prime Minister Hun Manet of Cambodia confirmed this agreement in their subsequent statements.

On Saturday morning, Cambodia’s Ministry of Information directly contradicted Trump’s claim, stating, “Thai forces have not stopped the bombing yet and are still continuing the bombing,” referring to Thai fighter jet strikes. The Thai military countered with accusations that Cambodia was committing “repeated violations of international rules” by targeting civilian areas and laying new landmines.

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The Thai Foreign Ministry, when asked about Trump’s ceasefire announcement, directed reporters solely to the former president’s statement, offering no confirmation. Prime Minister Anutin had earlier stated that his conversation with Trump focused on explaining that Cambodia violated the October peace declaration, forcing Thailand to defend its people.

In a Facebook statement on Saturday, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet referenced his calls with Trump and Malaysian leader Anwar Ibrahim, reaffirming a commitment to a peaceful resolution per the Kuala Lumpur agreement. However, he pointedly suggested that the U.S. and Malaysia use their intelligence capabilities to “verify which side fired first” in the latest clashes.

Thai PM Anutin to Trump: ‘We Are Defending Our People from Cambodian Attacks’

The fighting since Monday represents some of the heaviest combat since a major five-day clash in July, which was also halted by Trump’s intervention. The October agreement that followed included processes for troop withdrawal and prisoner release, but Thailand suspended it last month following a landmine incident that maimed a Thai soldier—an allegation Cambodia denies. The failure of the latest claimed ceasefire highlights the fragility of the truce and the entrenched positions of both sides.

-Thailand News (TN)