Following a reported intervention by US President Donald Trump to broker a ceasefire, Cambodia and Thailand engaged in mutual accusations of artillery attacks. The clashes occurred just hours after Trump announced that the two nations had agreed to discuss a cessation of hostilities. This recent escalation comes after the worst bout of fighting in over a decade between the Southeast Asian neighbors. The death toll has surpassed 30, including civilians, with over 200,000 people evacuated from border regions. While Cambodia expressed its endorsement of Trump’s call for an immediate ceasefire, Thailand voiced reservations, stating that talks could not commence while Cambodian forces were allegedly targeting its civilians, a claim Phnom Penh has denied. Both sides have expressed a willingness to discuss a ceasefire, yet artillery exchanges were reported on Sunday morning. Each country has accused the other of initiating the attacks, with Cambodia claiming Thailand initiated ground assaults and shelling, including at historic temple complexes. Conversely, the Thai army alleged Cambodian forces fired into several areas, including near civilian homes, and deployed long-range rocket launchers. The border dispute has persisted for decades, focusing on undemarcated areas along the 817km border and the ownership of the Ta Moan Thom and Preah Vihear temples.
