Background on the Conflict
The ongoing border dispute between Camboya and Tailandia has led to deadly clashes, causing over twenty deaths and displacing half a million people on both sides. The conflict stems from a longstanding disagreement over the demarcation of their 800 km border, established during colonial times.
Trump’s Announcement of a Tregua
On Friday, US President Donald Trump announced that the prime ministers of Camboya and Tailandia had agreed to cease their border skirmishes following a phone call with both leaders. Trump stated, “I had a very good conversation this morning with the Prime Minister of Tailandia, Anutin Charnvirakul, and the Prime Minister of Camboya, Hun Manet, about the unfortunate resurgence of their prolonged war.” He added that they had agreed to stop all hostilities starting that night and return to the original peace agreement, with assistance from Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Camboya’s Accusation of Ongoing Bombing
However, hours after Trump’s announcement, Camboya’s Ministry of Defense reported on Saturday that Tailandia’s military aircraft continued to bomb Camboyan territory. The Ministry stated, “On December 13, 2025, the Thai military used two F-16 fighter jets to drop seven bombs on various targets,” and later added, “The Thai military aircraft have not stopped bombing.”
Historical Context and Mediation Efforts
The current round of fighting began on Saturday, marking seven days of conflict—two more than in July when a violent episode left 43 dead and forced around 300,000 people to evacuate. In July, the United States, China, and Malaysia mediated a ceasefire, and Trump supported a joint peace declaration in October. Tailandia suspended the agreement the following month after several of its soldiers were injured by landmines along the border.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is involved in the conflict? The dispute is between Camboya and Tailandia over their 800 km border, which was established during colonial times.
- What led to the recent escalation? The conflict has resulted in over twenty deaths and displaced half a million people. A violent episode in July left 43 dead and forced around 300,000 to evacuate.
- What role did the US play in resolving the conflict? US President Donald Trump mediated a conversation between the prime ministers of Camboya and Tailandia, leading to an agreement to cease hostilities. He also supported a joint peace declaration in October.
- Why did Tailandia suspend the peace agreement? Tailandia suspended the agreement in November after several of its soldiers were injured by landmines along the border.
