- By Supratik Das
- Fri, 12 Dec 2025 11:55 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Thailand-Cambodia Ceasefire: US President Donald Trump on Friday said he held a “very good conversation” with the prime ministers of Thailand and Cambodia, announcing that both countries had agreed to “cease all shooting” and return to the peace accord he had brokered earlier.
Trump announced the breakthrough on Truth Social, saying he had spoken with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. He said both sides had agreed to “CEASE all shooting” and return to the peace terms negotiated in October with support from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Trump described the escalation as “a very unfortunate reawakening of their long-running war,” adding that both nations remained keen on restoring peace and trade ties with the US.
Fresh Shelling Reported On Friday
Cambodian media reported renewed Thai shelling early Friday in several locations, including Ta Moan, Ta Kra Bei and Thmar Daun in Oddar Meanchey province. The Khmer Times said additional firing was heard in Preah Vihear and Banteay Meanchey, though no fresh casualties were confirmed.
Across both countries, at least 20 people have been killed and nearly 200 wounded since hostilities flared on Monday. As many as 600,000 civilians have been displaced, many taking refuge in makeshift camps on either side of the border. The Thai military earlier confirmed another soldier had died in combat, taking its death toll to 10. Thai media also reported the use of large numbers of drones in the latest clashes, while Cambodia rejected as “fake propaganda” claims that it had deployed foreign mercenaries to operate suicide drones.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs on Friday also voiced serious concern over damage to conservation facilities at the UNESCO-listed Preah Vihear temple, urging both sides to safeguard the historic Hindu shrine. The MEA described any harm to the site as “unfortunate” and appealed for immediate de-escalation.
Political Turmoil In Thailand
The dispute over the frontier, traced to a 1907 map drawn by French colonial authorities, has long centred on ancient temples such as Preah Vihear and Prasat Ta Muen Thom. Although the International Court of Justice declared Preah Vihear part of Cambodia in 1962—and reaffirmed related rulings in 2013 following further petitions in 2011—armed clashes have erupted repeatedly, particularly after Cambodia secured UNESCO World Heritage status for the temple in 2008.
The renewed fighting coincided with domestic political upheaval in Thailand. Prime Minister Anutin dissolved parliament on Thursday, clearing the way for elections within 45–60 days. His government cited a legislative deadlock that had stalled key decisions, though officials insisted the political transition would not affect management of the border crisis.
As regional and global stakeholders push for restraint, attention now turns to whether the announced halt in firing can holdand whether both sides return to formal negotiations aimed at ending one of Southeast Asia’s most persistent border disputes.
With inputs from agency.