Cambodia accuses Thailand of an airstrike that violated Trump's ceasefire
In a dangerous escalation that threatens international diplomatic efforts, Cambodia accused its neighbor Thailand of continuing military operations and shelling its territory, just hours after US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire agreement between the two Southeast Asian neighbors.
Details of the Cambodian charges
The Cambodian Ministry of Defense issued an official statement via the X platform, confirming the continuation of hostilities by the Thai side. The statement read: “On December 13, 2025, the Thai military used two F-16 fighter jets to drop seven bombs on targets inside Cambodian territory.” The statement added, in a strongly worded tone, that “Thai fighter jets have not yet ceased their bombing,” indicating the continuation of the raids despite political pronouncements of de-escalation.
Background of the historical conflict between the two countries
This escalation is not a sudden occurrence, but rather the latest chapter in a long-standing series of border disputes between Thailand and Cambodia. The tension stems primarily from disagreements over border demarcation and contested territories, most notably the area surrounding the ancient Hindu temple of Preah Vihear. The region has witnessed intermittent but deadly clashes, the most intense of which occurred between 2008 and 2011, when both sides exchanged artillery fire and small arms fire, resulting in deaths and injuries on both sides and the displacement of thousands of civilians.
Humanitarian repercussions and regional concerns
These developments are raising widespread concern about the humanitarian situation in the border regions. Field reports related to recent events indicate large-scale evacuations, with hundreds of thousands of Thais and Cambodians fleeing the areas of conflict. Observers fear that continued airstrikes will exacerbate the displacement crisis and increase civilian casualties and property damage.
The importance of international intervention and the future of the truce
This event is of particular international significance given the direct involvement of the United States, through President Donald Trump's announcement of the ceasefire. The violation of the ceasefire shortly after its declaration poses a challenge to American diplomacy and tests Washington's influence in Southeast Asia. This escalation also places a heavy responsibility on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to contain the situation and prevent the region from sliding into open warfare, which could affect the economic and security stability of the entire region.
