Thailand Accuses Cambodia of Breaching Newly Signed Ceasefire After 250+ Drones Spotted
Bangkok, Thailand — Tensions on the Thailand-Cambodia border have surged once again after the Royal Thai Army accused Cambodia of violating a recently agreed ceasefire by flying more than 250 unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) over Thai territory, just days after leaders on both sides pledged to halt hostilities. Balkanweb
The ceasefire — hailed as a potential turning point after weeks of deadly clashes that forced nearly one million civilians to flee their homes — was signed and took effect earlier last weekend. Under the agreement, the two Southeast Asian neighbors pledged to freeze frontline positions, halt offensive actions, and begin confidence-building measures aimed at ending a long-running dispute. Balkanweb
However, Thailand’s military claims that over 250 drones were detected flying from the Cambodian side into Thailand on Sunday night, an act Bangkok’s armed forces describe as a clear breach of the pact meant to reduce tensions. Officials in Thailand characterized the activity as “provocative” and warned that such incidents could jeopardize progress on peace. Balkanweb
What Thailand Is Saying
The Royal Thai Army said the drone flights constituted a violation of the ceasefire agreement, as the deal prohibits any military provocations or aerial incursions that could escalate conflict along the shared border. Thailand has also threatened to reconsider releasing 18 Cambodian soldiers detained since July — a key goodwill gesture tied to the ceasefire’s terms — unless the alleged breach is addressed. Balkanweb
Cambodia’s Response
Cambodian officials have played down the drone incident, with Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn describing it on state television as “a minor issue related to drones seen by both sides along the border line.” Phnom Penh has also committed to investigating the situation jointly with Thai counterparts to determine what happened and prevent further misunderstandings. Balkanweb
Broader Conflict Context
The renewed border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has its roots in longstanding territorial disagreements, particularly around areas near ancient temple sites and colonial-era boundary lines. Earlier rounds of fighting this month saw heavy weapon exchanges, displacements, and civilian casualties on both sides. A ceasefire brokered by foreign intermediaries — including China and the United States — showed promise but has been challenged by recurring hostilities. Balkanweb
This latest diplomatic setback underscores the fragility of peace efforts in the region and the challenges tied to building trust between governments with decades of mistrust and unresolved claims. Analysts say that clear communication and strict adherence to ceasefire terms — including transparency over military activity such as drone use — will be key if the truce is to survive future provocations. Balkanweb
What Comes Next
International mediators continue to watch the situation closely. Both Thailand and Cambodia have expressed interest in preventing a relapse into full-scale fighting, with diplomatic channels open and joint investigations into the drone claims underway. The future of the ceasefire — and the long effort to stabilize border relations — may hinge on whether both sides can resolve this latest incident peacefully and recommit to the terms agreed just days earlier. Balkanweb
Source: BBC News — “Thailand Accuses Cambodia of Breaking Newly Signed Ceasefire” (BBC, referenced via news summaries). NewsWall
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