Thailand armed forces stated on Monday that Cambodia may have violated a recently signed ceasefire agreement, just days after weeks of clashes along their shared border eased through diplomatic talks.
The Royal Thai Army reported that surveillance systems detected more than 250 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) entering Thai-monitored airspace from the Cambodian side on Sunday night. Thai officials described the incident as inconsistent with the commitments both nations agreed upon earlier this weekend.
Ceasefire Agreement Reached After Weeks of Conflict
The truce was formalized after several rounds of negotiations, supported by diplomatic encouragement from China and the United States. The agreement, which began at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, required both countries to:
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maintain current front-line positions,
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avoid sending additional troops or equipment,
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pause reinforcements,
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and allow civilians displaced from border areas to return safely.
Officials previously described the agreement as a major step toward reducing tensions after a prolonged period of instability that displaced large numbers of families near the border.
Thailand Reconsiders Detained Soldier Release
Thailand also indicated that it is reviewing the planned release of 18 Cambodian soldiers detained since July 2025. The Thai Army stated that continued airspace activity could delay or alter that decision.
A separate notice mentioned that Thailand may also reassess the potential release of 18 soldiers if security violations continue.
“If actions that challenge national sovereignty persist, Thailand will be required to respond accordingly,” the army said in a formal press statement.
No Response From Cambodian Authorities Yet
Cambodia has not issued an official comment on the allegations at the time of publication.
Long-Standing Historical Dispute
The territorial and diplomatic friction between Thailand and Cambodia is not new. The rivalry dates back more than 100 years, involving disputed cultural sites, border demarcation disagreements, and periodic military confrontations.
Recent tensions escalated earlier this year after a clash in May 2025 that resulted in the loss of a Cambodian soldier, driving diplomatic relations to one of their lowest points in the past decade.
In October 2025, both sides signed another truce, but it unraveled in December after renewed clashes — with both nations exchanging blame for the breakdown.
Global Diplomacy Continues Amid Regional Concerns
The UAV incident occurred only hours after China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi praised the ceasefire as “hard-won,” and President Donald Trump expressed optimism about a peaceful outcome during talks in Florida.
Diplomatic officials from both China and the US have previously stressed that regional agreements must focus on stability, civilian safety, and preventing further escalation.