What's happened
On December 12-13, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia after calls with their leaders. However, fighting reportedly continued along the disputed border, with Cambodia accusing Thailand of ongoing bombings and Thailand blaming Cambodia for violations. The conflict stems from a long-standing territorial dispute dating back to colonial-era maps.
What's behind the headline?
Persistent Conflict Despite Diplomatic Efforts
The announcement by President Trump of a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia is contradicted by ongoing hostilities, highlighting the fragility of peace in this region. The conflict's deep historical roots, involving colonial-era territorial claims and national pride, make resolution complex and resistant to external mediation.
The Role of External Actors
Trump's involvement, alongside Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, underscores the influence of international diplomacy and economic leverage, such as trade privileges, in conflict resolution. However, the lack of acknowledgment from Thai and Cambodian leaders about the ceasefire agreement reveals a disconnect between diplomatic statements and ground realities.
Propaganda and Military Actions
Both nations engage in propaganda and military escalation, including airstrikes by Thailand and rocket attacks by Cambodia. Accusations of targeting civilians and laying landmines exacerbate tensions and hinder trust-building.
Forecast and Consequences
Given the entrenched nature of the dispute and recent escalations, the ceasefire is unlikely to hold without direct bilateral negotiations and verification mechanisms. The displacement of half a million people and ongoing casualties will continue to strain regional stability. ASEAN's potential role in imposing sanctions or mediating may become necessary if bilateral talks fail.
Impact on Regional and Global Relations
The conflict affects trade and diplomatic relations in Southeast Asia, with the U.S. leveraging economic incentives to influence outcomes. The situation serves as a reminder of how unresolved colonial legacies continue to fuel modern conflicts, requiring sustained, multifaceted approaches beyond high-profile diplomatic interventions.
What the papers say
The Japan Times reports President Trump's announcement that Thai and Cambodian leaders agreed to cease all shooting and return to the original peace accord, emphasizing his collaboration with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. However, SBS and Reuters highlight Cambodia's claims that Thai forces continued bombing after the announcement, with Thailand accusing Cambodia of violating international rules by targeting civilians and laying landmines. The New York Times details the ongoing violence and displacement, noting that despite Trump's involvement and previous ceasefire agreements, fighting persists. France 24 and Al Jazeera provide perspectives from evacuees and officials, illustrating local desires for peace but skepticism about foreign mediation. Reuters interviews reveal Thai officials' reluctance for third-party mediation and insistence that Cambodia must make the first move toward de-escalation. These contrasting accounts reveal a complex situation where diplomatic declarations clash with on-the-ground realities, underscoring the challenges in resolving this long-standing border dispute.
How we got here
The Thai-Cambodian border conflict arises from competing territorial claims rooted in a 1907 French colonial map and a 1962 International Court of Justice ruling awarding sovereignty to Cambodia. Despite a July 2025 ceasefire brokered by Malaysia and pressured by Trump, clashes resumed in December, causing casualties and displacements. Both sides accuse each other of ceasefire violations, complicating peace efforts.
Go deeper
- What caused the recent escalation in fighting between Thailand and Cambodia?
- How has President Trump been involved in mediating this conflict?
- What role is Malaysia playing in the peace process?
Common question
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What’s the latest on the Thai-Cambodian border conflict? Will peace hold?
The Thai-Cambodian border dispute has escalated recently, leading to deadly clashes and widespread displacement. With international support and ongoing negotiations, many are wondering if peace can be restored or if the conflict will flare up again. Below, we answer the most common questions about this complex situation, including its causes, current status, and future prospects.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Anutin Charnvirakul is a Thai politician. As of 2020, he serves as Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Public Health.
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Hun Manet (born 20 October 1977) is a Cambodian politician and military officer who has served as Prime Minister of Cambodia and Vice President of the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) since 2023. He is the second child of Senate president and former.
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Cambodia, officially the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina peninsula in Southeast Asia.
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