DST News: Thailand has launched a new military offensive against Cambodia, claiming it aims to reclaim sovereign territory, despite US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire agreement.

The escalation follows Cambodia’s decision to close all border crossings with Thailand. The dispute traces back to a colonial-era demarcation of the 800-kilometre shared border. Fighting so far has killed at least 25 people and displaced over half a million across both nations.

A Royal Thai Navy spokesperson, Rear Admiral Parach Rattanachaiyapan, said operations in Trat province began early Sunday, describing the mission as an act of self-defense and preservation of national sovereignty. Thai forces reported reclaiming the area and planting the national flag. Skirmishes, including drone and artillery attacks, have also been reported in Surin province. Cambodian authorities have yet to issue an official statement, though local media reported strikes in at least seven provinces.

A curfew has been imposed in Trat province as Thai forces continue operations. Cambodia confirmed the border shutdown will remain in place until further notice.

Thai officials rejected Trump’s ceasefire claim, with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul insisting the military would continue fighting until Cambodia changed its stance. The flare-up follows a skirmish on December 7 that wounded two Thai soldiers, disrupting the July ceasefire that had been brokered with Malaysian and US support.

The renewed clashes underline the fragility of peace along the Cambodia-Thailand border and raise concerns about worsening humanitarian conditions.

Source: Aljazeera