The Cambodian Ministry of National Defence on Tuesday rejected a statement by the Thai army accusing Cambodia of launching attacks on Thai territory just hours after a ceasefire came into effect.
“On behalf of the Cambodian Ministry of National Defence, I would like to reject the statement of the Thai army spokesperson, which claimed that fighting occurred in violation of the ceasefire agreement,” said Ministry spokesperson Lieutenant General Maly Socheata during a press briefing.
She emphasized that Cambodian armed forces have strictly adhered to the ceasefire agreement, which took effect at midnight on Monday, Xinhua News Agency reported.
Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai acknowledged that minor clashes may have occurred post-ceasefire, potentially due to undisciplined Cambodian soldiers. He added that Thailand responded proportionately and that the situation “is calm now.”
Earlier in the day, the Thai Army stated that Cambodia had violated the ceasefire agreement. However, they noted that efforts were ongoing to facilitate negotiations between frontline commanders from both sides.
Lieutenant General Maly Socheata reiterated on Tuesday that the armed clashes between Cambodian and Thai soldiers over disputed border areas had ended.
Thai Army spokesperson Winthai Suvaree issued a statement Tuesday morning confirming that Thailand had implemented the ceasefire along the Thai-Cambodian border as soon as the agreement came into force.
“However, it is regrettable that when the ceasefire deadline came into effect, the Thai side still observed the Cambodian side launching armed attacks at multiple locations inside Thai territory,” the statement read.
According to a previous Thai Army announcement, after the ceasefire took effect, one area along the border was reportedly harassed by Cambodian forces, leading to renewed exchanges of fire that continued until Tuesday morning. Clashes also occurred in another area and lasted until 5:30 a.m. local time.
In the early hours of Tuesday, the Thai Army confirmed via social media that a ceasefire had been successfully implemented across all border areas.
Socheata confirmed that clashes had ceased after leaders from both countries agreed to a ceasefire. “As a positive result, there has been no more exchange of gunfire across all military regions,” she said, adding that regional military commanders from both sides would hold an informal meeting on Tuesday morning to ensure effective implementation of the agreement.
The situation along the Cambodia–Thailand border has eased since the ceasefire took effect, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said Tuesday morning. In a post on his official social media platforms, he stated, “The frontline has eased after a ceasefire took effect from Monday midnight, in accordance with the spirit of the agreement between Cambodia and Thailand reached during a special meeting in Malaysia.”
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who hosted Monday’s meeting in Putrajaya, confirmed that leaders of Thailand and Cambodia agreed to implement the ceasefire starting at midnight.
Following the announcement, UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the ceasefire as a positive step toward ending hostilities and easing tensions.
Guterres “urges both countries to fully respect the agreement and to create an environment conducive to addressing long-standing issues and achieving lasting peace,” said his deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq in a statement.
“The Secretary-General commends Malaysia, the current ASEAN Chair, as well as the United States and China, for their dedicated efforts toward the peaceful resolution of the situation,” the statement added.
The United Nations reiterated its readiness to support peace and stability efforts in the region.- IANS
