Thailand Rejects Trump’s Claim That It Reached a Cease-Fire With Cambodia

Thailand has contradicted President Trump's statement that it had agreed to a cease-fire with Cambodia. The denial came as the Thai Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, affirmed his commitment to continuing military operations, signaling an escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two nations.

The confusion arose after Trump announced on Friday that a cease-fire between Thailand and Cambodia would take effect that evening. This announcement followed Prime Minister Anutin's statement to reporters outlining his government's position to Trump. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. Anutin made no mention of a cease-fire, and the Thai Foreign Ministry subsequently confirmed that no such agreement was in place.

"Thailand will continue to perform military actions until we feel no more harm and threats to our land and people," Anutin declared in a Saturday Facebook post, emphasizing his government's stance.

Cambodia's Prime Minister, Hun Manet, acknowledged speaking with Trump about "ways to have a cease-fire" and to revive the peace deal that President Trump brokered in Malaysia the previous October. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. Hun Manet stopped short of confirming that a cease-fire had actually been established.

These conflicting statements from Thailand and Cambodia suggest that an immediate cessation of hostilities is unlikely. The clashes, now in their sixth day, have resulted in at least 20 fatalities and displaced over half a million people.

On Saturday, Thailand accused Cambodian forces of indiscriminately firing rockets at homes in the village of Sao Thong Chai, located in the Sisaket Province. The accusation was accompanied by photos circulating on social media, allegedly depicting the damage.