Thailand pledges to continue military operations against Cambodia

SadaNews - Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnveerakul pledged on Saturday to continue military operations against Cambodia, despite U.S. President Donald Trump's earlier statement that he facilitated a ceasefire between the two countries.

Prime Minister Anutin added in a Facebook post, "Thailand will continue to carry out military operations until we feel that our land and people will not face further harm and threats."

The Joint Media Center in Bangkok confirmed that Thai forces "responded" to Cambodian military targets in the early morning.

Previously, Cambodia had accused Thailand of continuing to bombard its territory just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the two neighboring countries had agreed to cease border clashes.

The dispute between the two Southeast Asian neighbors revolves around land along their 800 km border, which was demarcated during the French colonial period in the region. Recent fighting has led to the displacement of about half a million people from both sides.

Both sides are exchanging accusations of igniting the dispute.

The Cambodian Ministry of Defense stated in a post on the X platform, "On December 13, 2025, the Thai army used two F-16 fighter jets to drop seven bombs on several targets."

It added, "The Thai fighter jets have not stopped bombing so far."

Trump had announced on his social media platform, "Truth Social", "I had an excellent conversation this morning with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnveerakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet about resuming their long-standing war, which is extremely unfortunate."

He added, "They agreed on a full ceasefire starting tonight, and returning to the original peace agreement made with me and them, with the help of the great Malaysian Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim."

Earlier, Anutin said after his call with Trump on Friday, "The world must be informed that Cambodia will comply with the ceasefire provisions."

Anutin Charnveerakul told reporters, "Trump said he wanted a ceasefire. I replied that it would be more beneficial if he said that to our friend," referring to Cambodia.

The United States, China, and Malaysia, as the rotating president of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), mediated a ceasefire in July after an initial wave of violence that lasted five days.

The two countries signed a ceasefire agreement on October 26, sponsored by U.S. President Donald Trump; however, Thailand suspended its implementation a few weeks later after a landmine explosion injured several of its soldiers.

In Buriram Province, northeastern Thailand, displaced person Jirasan Kongshan stated that peace should be achieved through direct bilateral talks, not foreign mediation.

The 50-year-old farmer said, "I want Thailand and Cambodia to speak to each other clearly and firmly first."

He added, "If Cambodia violates the peace agreement again, ASEAN countries should intervene and perhaps impose some sort of sanctions."

For his part, Cambodian 54-year-old displaced person Chwen Samnang expressed that he was "very happy" to hear that Trump called the Thai Prime Minister, urging both countries to adhere to the joint declaration.

He added to AFP at one of the refugee centers in Banteay Meanchey Province, "I don't want to see countries at war. I want both Cambodia and Thailand to enjoy peace."

Trump boasted on Thursday at the White House about resolving several disputes but said, "Regarding Thailand and Cambodia, I think I will have to make some phone calls... but we will set things right."

Anutin stated that there are "no indications" that Trump will link further trade talks to the border dispute, but he confirmed that he promised Thailand "better advantages than other countries."