Post by : Saif
Al-Najjar
Cambodia has expressed serious concerns regarding the delicate peace with Thailand, alleging that Thai forces continue to occupy Cambodian civilian areas despite a ceasefire established last December. Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn reported that several villages are barricaded with barbed wire and shipping containers, hindering approximately 4,000 families from returning to their homes.
The ceasefire enacted in December aimed to end weeks of violent confrontations along the border. This conflict claimed 101 lives over a span of 20 days, displacing more than half a million individuals from both countries. The violence caused extensive destruction to infrastructure, including bridges, roads, schools, temples, and homes, dramatically impacting civilian life.
Prak Sokhonn identified at least four regions where Thai forces persist on Cambodian soil. He urged Thailand to uphold the ceasefire to avert any resurgence of hostilities. “While the situation is currently stable, potential risks remain,” he stated. Cambodia has also sought a meeting of the Joint Boundary Commission, designated to delineate the border, although Thailand's participation is still unconfirmed.
Conversely, Thailand has rejected these claims, asserting that existing troop positions align with previously agreed de-escalation strategies and do not equate to an occupation. The Thai foreign ministry announced plans to resume discussions through the Joint Boundary Commission post-elections in February.
Experts caution that a lack of dialogue and the unresolved troop situation could jeopardize the tenuous peace. The historical conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has seen numerous border clashes over the past century.
International mediators have played a key role in reducing violence. Figures like former U.S. President Donald Trump, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and Chinese representatives have contributed to negotiating the truce. A Chinese special envoy visited both Bangkok and Phnom Penh in late December, and diplomats from China, Thailand, and Cambodia convened in Yunnan province to foster trust.
Despite these diplomatic initiatives, the ongoing military presence in civilian areas poses a considerable concern. Both nations are under pressure to adhere to the ceasefire, dismantle barricades, and facilitate the return of displaced families. Experts emphasize that rebuilding trust and maintaining open lines of communication are crucial for long-lasting peace.
Cambodia's alert serves as a reminder that even minor breaches of peace agreements can spur heightened tensions. Without swift dialogue and decisive action, the chance of renewed conflict remains significant. The immediate focus must be on adhering to the truce, resuming boundary negotiations, and ensuring the safety of civilians in the contested zones.
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