Cambodia’s Ministry of Defence says Thailand is still carrying out air strikes inside its territory, contradicting a ceasefire announcement made by US President Donald Trump. The statement comes amid an ongoing flare up in a long running border dispute between the two neighbours.
According to the ministry, Thai forces deployed two F 16 fighter jets on Saturday to drop seven bombs on several locations in Cambodian territory. Officials said the strikes hit areas including hotels and bridges in the Thmor Da region of Pursat province, which borders Thailand.
Local outlet Khmer Times, citing Cambodia’s Ministry of Information, reported that two hotels and casino structures suffered heavy damage in the attacks. Cambodian authorities said the bombings prove that Thai forces “have not yet ceased their bombing and are still conducting attacks”.
These claims emerged only hours after President Trump said Thailand and Cambodia had agreed “to cease all shooting” and return to an earlier peace accord. Trump announced on his social media platform that he had held what he called a productive call with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet.
Despite that statement, reports from the border indicate that fighting has continued into a sixth day. The renewed clashes, rooted in disputes over ownership of ancient temples and the exact demarcation of the frontier, have killed at least 20 civilians and soldiers on both sides and injured about 200 people.
Humanitarian agencies and officials say around 600,000 people have been displaced along the 800 kilometre border as residents flee shelling and air strikes. Thailand, for its part, has accused Cambodia of violating international norms by targeting civilian areas and laying landmines.
The situation raises questions about the effectiveness and timing of the ceasefire claim, as neither the Thai nor Cambodian governments have clearly confirmed a binding truce. Observers warn that without a verified and monitored agreement, the border conflict could escalate further despite international calls for calm.