PM Anutin refutes Trump’s truce claim as border fighting intensifies
The geopolitical situation in Southeast Asia remains volatile as Thailand has firmly dismissed reports of a truce with neighboring Cambodia. On Saturday, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul publicly contradicted recent statements made by US President Donald Trump, clarifying that military operations along the disputed border are set to continue.
The confusion stems from an announcement made by Donald Trump late Friday on his Truth Social platform. The US President claimed to have brokered a deal, stating that leaders from both nations had agreed to "cease all shooting" following his personal intervention. This sentiment was echoed earlier by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who had urged a halt to hostilities.
However, the reality on the ground appears starkly different. Prime Minister Anutin addressed the media amidst ongoing violence, asserting that no such agreement exists. He labeled the US President's announcement as likely being a "misunderstanding."
"At this time, there are no ceasefire negotiations, and it is not yet the time for that," Anutin stated, emphasizing that listening to military reports is currently more reliable than external political statements. He insisted that a genuine Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire would require a formal, written proposal from Phnom Penh and a total cessation of aggression, rather than just verbal promises.
The humanitarian crisis continues to escalate while diplomatic wires remain crossed. The renewed conflict over the ownership of ancient temples along the 800-kilometer border has already claimed more than 20 lives and left nearly 200 people wounded. The violence has forced the displacement of approximately 600,000 civilians on both sides of the border.
Thai Defence Minister Gen Nattaphon Narkphanit supported the Prime Minister's stance, confirming that the armed forces have received no orders to stand down. He reiterated that Thailand would maintain its defensive operations until Cambodia demonstrates a clear end to hostilities.
Violence persisted throughout Saturday, with reports of fresh attacks in Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani province. Thai officials reported that BM-21 rockets had struck civilian zones, causing severe injuries. Additionally, four Thai soldiers lost their lives during an operation to reclaim the strategic Hill 677.
PM Anutin pointed to these fresh attacks as proof that no peace deal is in effect. "Is there a ceasefire? This morning, Cambodia launched heavy attacks," he questioned, noting that Thailand must prioritize its security over premature announcements of peace.
