Thailand Accuses Cambodia of 250+ Drone Incursions, Jeopardizing Ceasefire

Alleged Drone Incursions After Ceasefire

Thailand’s army on Monday accused Cambodia of violating a newly signed ceasefire by flying more than 250 unmanned aerial vehicles into Thai territory. According to a Thai military statement, the drones were detected late Sunday night crossing from the Cambodian side of the border. Bangkok said the activity constituted a provocation and breached measures agreed to reduce tensions under a joint statement finalized at a bilateral border committee meeting on Saturday.

The ceasefire, declared “immediate,” followed weeks of renewed border clashes that killed dozens of people and displaced more than one million civilians across both countries.

Ceasefire Terms and Potential Repercussions

Under the truce, Thailand and Cambodia committed to halting combat, freezing troop movements, cooperating on demining and cybercrime, and facilitating the return of displaced civilians. Thailand also agreed to release 18 Cambodian soldiers captured in July within 72 hours, contingent on the ceasefire holding.

Thai army spokesman Winthai Suvaree said the alleged drone flights reflected a “hostile stance” that could endanger military personnel and civilians in border areas. He added that Thailand may reconsider releasing the detained Cambodian soldiers depending on developments and observed behavior.

Cambodian Responses and Denials

Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn characterized the incident as a “small issue” involving drone sightings along the border and said both sides had discussed the matter and agreed to investigate and resolve it promptly. However, Cambodia’s defense ministry later issued a categorical denial. Spokeswoman Maly Socheata said no drones were launched by Cambodian authorities, citing bans on such flights by the ministry and provincial border administrations.

Despite these assurances, uncertainty remains among families of detained soldiers. Relatives expressed concern that the promised release might not proceed amid the new dispute.

Background of the Border Conflict

The latest clashes in July marked a breakdown of an earlier truce brokered with the involvement of the United States, China, and Malaysia, the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. A follow-on declaration witnessed by U.S. President Donald Trump in October collapsed within weeks, with each side accusing the other of instigating renewed fighting.

The conflict centers on an unresolved territorial dispute along the 800-kilometer Thai-Cambodian border, rooted in colonial-era demarcation and overlapping claims to ancient temple sites.

Ongoing Diplomacy and Regional Engagement

Thai and Cambodian foreign ministers concluded two days of talks in China’s Yunnan province on Monday. In a joint statement with China, the parties said they discussed steps to restore normal exchanges, rebuild political trust, improve bilateral relations, and safeguard regional stability. Cambodia also called for another bilateral meeting in early January to continue border survey and demarcation work.

Civilian Calls for Peace

In Phnom Penh, more than a hundred Buddhist monks and hundreds of civilians gathered at a war monument on Monday evening to pray for peace. Participants said they hoped for an end to hostilities and the safe return of detained soldiers, underscoring public concern over the durability of the ceasefire.