Thailand’s army has accused Cambodia of violating the ceasefire signed over the weekend, alleging that more than 250 drones crossed into Thai territory, casting doubt on the fragile truce between the two Southeast Asian neighbours.
The ceasefire, agreed on Saturday after weeks of deadly border clashes, pledged to halt hostilities that killed dozens and displaced over a million people this month.
However, Bangkok’s fresh allegation and its threat to reconsider the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers held in Thailand have raised tensions just days after the agreement.
According to a statement from the Thai army on Monday, “more than 250 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were detected flying from the Cambodian side, intruding into Thailand’s sovereign territory.” The army described the flights as “provocative actions” that breach the truce and undermine measures designed to reduce tensions.
The recent fighting had erupted across nearly every border province, breaking an earlier ceasefire brokered with the involvement of the United States, China, and Malaysia.
Under the latest truce, the two countries agreed to halt hostilities, freeze troop movements, and cooperate on demining and cybersecurity efforts. Civilians displaced by the clashes were also to be allowed to return home, while Thailand committed to releasing 18 Cambodian soldiers captured in July within 72 hours, provided the ceasefire held.
Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, speaking on state television on Monday, downplayed the drone flights as “a small issue related to drones seen by both sides along the border.” He added that the matter had been discussed and would be investigated and resolved immediately.
Thai army spokesman Winthai Suvaree, however, said the drone activity indicated “Cambodia’s continued provocative actions and hostile stance toward Thailand,” warning that it could jeopardize the safety of both military personnel and civilians in the border regions.
The army also noted that it might reconsider the scheduled release of the 18 Cambodian soldiers depending on further developments.
The ongoing border conflict traces back to a colonial-era demarcation dispute along the 800-kilometre (500-mile) border, where both countries lay claim to centuries-old temple ruins.
Previous truce agreements, including one witnessed by former US President Donald Trump in October, broke down within months, with each side blaming the other for renewed violence.
Following Monday’s talks in China’s Yunnan province, Cambodia, Thailand, and China issued a joint statement affirming their commitment to “work step by step through mutual efforts to resume normal exchanges, rebuild political trust, improve bilateral relations, and safeguard regional stability.” Cambodia also invited Thailand to another bilateral meeting in early January to continue surveying and demarcating the border.
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