Thai-Cambodian border and ceasefire: Between announcements and reality

Despite ceasefire announcements, the border remains the scene of worrying clashes, with President Trump's diplomatic intervention failing to silence the guns.

Although the two countries officially agreed this weekend to begin negotiations to end their border dispute, the state of siege continues. On Saturday, Donald Trump claimed to have received a commitment from both sides to immediately cease hostilities; but in the morning, heavy gunfire rang out again in the area around the Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple, known as Ta Krabey by the Cambodians. The Cambodian government accuses Thailand of not respecting its commitments, while Bangkok is demanding ‘proof of Cambodia's sincerity’ before entering into genuine talks.

The involvement of the United States, symbolised by the threat of imposing very high customs tariffs on both countries, has certainly pushed the governments to engage in dialogue, but ‘mistrust prevails’ and mutual accusations of territorial violations continue to escalate.

Thailand's attitude and the army's behaviour

Bangkok adopted a tough stance from the outset of the conflict. According to the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, hostilities were triggered by Cambodia on 24 July and the priority given to the security of Thai territory justified the emergency evacuation of tens of thousands of civilians. Thailand claims to have been hit by BM-21 rockets fired at civilian homes, while its army has responded with bombardments, including air strikes targeting military infrastructure inside Cambodia.

Under the highly dubious pretext of repelling the invader, the Thai army has declared martial law in eight border districts. NGO reports have documented the disputed use of cluster munitions by the Thai side, allegations that the Kingdom denies outright, claiming to respect international law. The government reiterates that no foreign mediation is desired, favouring ‘firmness’ and strictly bilateral negotiations, despite pressure from ASEAN and the UN.

The voice of Cambodia: Call for a truce

For its part, Phnom Penh has stepped up calls for an immediate end to the fighting and sought the support of the international community, portraying itself as the victim of aggression. Prime Minister Hun Manet says he wants to agree to an ‘unconditional ceasefire’ and is calling for direct talks under US supervision, highlighting the risk of a ‘major war’.

However, his words seem to be falling on deaf ears, both among his neighbours and NGOs on the ground, who report troop movements close to the border to prevent the use of Thai heavy artillery.

Refugees: the ongoing human tragedy

Beyond the diplomatic games, the population is paying a heavy price: more than 131,000 people in Thailand and another 4,000 in Cambodia have already fled — sometimes in heavy rain — to seek refuge in overcrowded schools and monasteries, where food, water and medical care are beginning to run out. The total number of displaced persons is growing as fighting spreads to new villages. While reiterating the duty to protect children in all circumstances, UNICEF is alarmed by the destruction of schools and the increasing number of civilian casualties, including several children.

In Phnom Penh, the UNHCR has already identified more than 75,000 vulnerable or stateless people in need of international protection for the year, while the Cambodian authorities fear they will have to take in new arrivals if the crisis worsens.

Trump, a referee under pressure

Having returned to the world stage with a diplomacy of carrots (trade negotiations) and sticks (tariff threats), Donald Trump has established himself as the key mediator of the moment. But the effectiveness of his method remains in question, as the fighting continues despite his calls for peace.

 The next few hours will tell whether US pressure will force Thailand and Cambodia to move beyond mere statements.

Between the reality of fighting and political promises

In short, the border remains a scene of fear and violence, while on the official side, each party professes its desire for peace – conditional on the ‘good faith’ of the other. Behind this standoff, the international community is concerned that the region is sliding into a new era of instability and is waiting for concrete results from the promised negotiations.

Meanwhile, in the shadow of bloodstained ancient temples, the population is waiting above all for its ordeal to end – and for borders to no longer be synonymous with walls, but with bridges.

This article is based on the latest press reports and humanitarian organisations as of 27 July 2025.