Thailand accuses Cambodia of ceasefire breach, Phnom Penh denies

The Thai military has accused Cambodian forces of violating the ceasefire agreement that took effect at midnight local time.

Speaking to AFP, Thai army spokesperson Vintay Suwari claimed that Cambodian troops carried out attacks in several Thai regions.

“This is a deliberate breach of the agreement and an obvious attempt to erode mutual trust. Thailand is compelled to respond accordingly by exercising its legitimate right to self-defence,” Suwari stated.

In response, Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence firmly denied the Thai accusations. "Since the ceasefire began, there have been no armed confrontations at any of the front-line positions. The Cambodian leadership remains fully committed to honouring the agreement," Phnom Penh officials said.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet also addressed the situation on the morning of July 29, stating that with the start of the ceasefire, “the front line has become calmer.”

According to an AFP journalist stationed in the Cambodian town of Samrong — roughly 20 kilometres from the Thai border — the sound of explosions ceased about 30 minutes before midnight, and the calm continued into the morning.

Military officials from both nations are expected to meet on July 29 to coordinate further steps and prevent renewed hostilities.

The ceasefire was agreed upon on July 28, following direct talks between Thai and Cambodian leaders in Malaysia. The deal called for an immediate and unconditional halt to all military activity.

The fighting between Thai and Cambodian forces broke out on July 24, involving artillery and air strikes. Tensions escalated after two Thai soldiers were killed in a landmine explosion, which Thai authorities claim was the result of a Cambodian-planted device.

According to the most recent figures, the clashes have resulted in at least 33 fatalities.

By Tamilla Hasanova