The United States announced a diplomatic success. However, Thailand and Cambodia deny this. Fighting between the two countries continued last weekend. US President Donald Trump said a ceasefire was agreed. But both governments reported more attacks. This makes Washington’s claims doubtful. It also makes a regional crisis worse.
New fighting started on December 8th. This broke a peace agreement. The agreement was made two months ago. It gave hope for peace. Now, fighting is much bigger. Many people are hurt. At least twenty people have died. Nearly two hundred people are injured. Many civilians have left their homes. About 600,000 to 700,000 people have fled.
A surprising event happened on Friday, December 12th. President Trump said leaders from Thailand and Cambodia agreed to a ceasefire. He asked them to go back to the peace plan. However, officials from both countries disagreed. Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Thailand will keep fighting. He said Thailand will fight until its land and people are safe. Cambodian officials also reported attacks on Saturday. They said attacks happened in Thmor Da and Koh Kong.
The fighting is now more serious. Thailand used F-16 fighter jets. They also used naval guns. Cambodia said planes dropped many bombs. Thai ships also fired shells. These attacks damaged buildings. Hotels and casinos were damaged. Cambodia wants peace. But they also want proof of who started the fighting. They accuse Thailand of attacking and using landmines.
This disagreement with the US is complex. It shows the dispute is difficult. It also suggests problems between countries. Thailand warned the US not to link the conflict to trade. The future looks bad. Fighting seems more important than talking. Many people have left their homes. Buildings are damaged. This is a big problem. A real ceasefire is needed. But peace will be very hard to find.