Fighting continued along the Thailand-Cambodia border on Saturday despite claims by United States President Donald Trump that a ceasefire had been reached between the two countries.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said no agreement was in place and confirmed that Thai forces would continue military operations amid renewed clashes.
Cambodia’s Defence Ministry also reported ongoing airstrikes, contradicting assertions that hostilities had been halted.
Trump announced late Friday that he had brokered a truce following phone calls with leaders from both countries, saying they had agreed to stop all shooting.
Thai officials swiftly rejected the claim, stating that no ceasefire had been reached and that Thailand would act until it faced no further threats.
“Thailand will continue to perform military actions until we feel no more harm and threats to our land and people. I want to make it clear. Our actions this morning already spoke,” Anutin said in a Facebook post.
Cambodia did not directly address Trump’s statement but accused Thai forces of continuing air and ground attacks.
The Cambodian Defence Ministry said Thai F-16 fighter jets dropped seven bombs on targets inside the country early Saturday.
Local Cambodian media reported damage to hotels and casinos in border areas, while Thai naval vessels were also said to have shelled coastal provinces.
Thailand said four of its soldiers were killed Saturday, bringing its military death toll to 14 since fighting resumed earlier in the week.
The renewed conflict has now entered its sixth day, with more than 20 people reported killed across both countries and nearly 200 wounded.
An estimated 600,000 people have been displaced along the 800-kilometer border, where disputes over ancient temple sites remain unresolved.
Cambodia announced the immediate closure of its border with Thailand, instructing citizens on both sides to remain where they are until a ceasefire is implemented.
The fighting follows the collapse of a peace agreement brokered in October after an earlier truce in July.
Analysts note the conflict coincides with significant political developments in Thailand, including Anutin’s decision to dissolve parliament ahead of a snap election.
Observers say the continued hostilities raise doubts about the prospects for an immediate return to negotiations.