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Thailand-Cambodia Border Crisis: Curfew Imposed Amid Deadly Clashes

Thailand has imposed a nighttime curfew in parts of Trat Province following a grenade attack and ongoing border hostilities with Cambodia. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has denied any ceasefire is in place, contradicting earlier international statements. The renewed fighting over disputed temple areas has resulted in significant casualties and mass displacement. The situation remains tense with no immediate resolution in sight.

Key Points: Curfew in Thailand's Trat Province as Border Clashes Continue

  • Thai military enforces curfew in five Trat districts from 7 PM to 5 AM
  • Grenade attack on Marine Corps base in Trat preceded the curfew order
  • Thailand denies any ceasefire agreement despite international appeals
  • Clashes have killed over 20 people and displaced an estimated 600,000
3 min read

Curfew imposed in Thailand's Trat Province as border clashes with Cambodia continue

Thailand imposes a curfew in Trat Province as border clashes with Cambodia escalate, with over 20 killed and 600,000 displaced amid conflicting ceasefire claims.

"It is likely a misunderstanding... At this time, there are no ceasefire negotiations, and it is not yet the time for that. - Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul"

Bangkok, December 14

Thailand's military on Sunday imposed a curfew in parts of Trat Province, citing the ongoing security situation along the border areas, Xinhua reported.

In an official order, the military said a curfew has been enforced with immediate effect in five districts of Trat Province--Khlong Yai, Bo Rai, Laem Ngop, Khao Saming and Mueang Trat. Residents in these areas have been instructed not to leave their homes between 7:00 PM and 05:00 AM the next day.

Thai media reports said the decision followed an incident late Saturday night in which three M79 grenades were fired at the headquarters of the Marine Corps Task Force in Trat Province. The grenades are believed to have been launched from within Thai territory. No casualties were reported as the explosives landed in an uninhabited area.

This is the second Thai province to impose a curfew since the latest round of clashes along the Thailand-Cambodia border began. Earlier, the Thai military had imposed similar restrictions in four border districts of Sa Kaeo Province on Wednesday.

The curfew announcement comes amid continuing hostilities and heightened tensions between Thailand and Cambodia.

Thailand has denied reaching any ceasefire agreement with Cambodia and said its military operations along the disputed border will continue, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Saturday, according to the Bangkok Post.

Speaking as clashes continued, Anutin said Thailand had not agreed to halt fighting and that there were no active ceasefire talks with Cambodia.

His remarks came hours after Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim called on both sides to stop hostilities from 10 pm on Saturday. The appeal followed a statement by US President Donald Trump, who said Thai and Cambodian leaders had agreed to "cease all shooting".

Neither Anutin nor Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet referred to any ceasefire agreement in official statements issued after their separate phone calls with Trump.

More than 20 people have been killed across Thailand and Cambodia in six days of renewed fighting, with nearly 200 wounded, according to reports cited by Al Jazeera. An estimated 600,000 people have been displaced on both sides of the 800-kilometre Thailand-Cambodia border, where tensions are centred on the disputed ownership of centuries-old temples.

Thailand's clarification followed accusations from Cambodia that Thai forces continued air attacks on Cambodian territory, hours after Trump claimed both sides had agreed to stop fighting.

"It is likely a misunderstanding," Anutin said. "Currently, there is a lot of communication going on. It would be best to listen to the statements from the military. At this time, there are no ceasefire negotiations, and it is not yet the time for that."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The conflicting statements from the US President and the Thai PM are confusing. It shows how external powers can sometimes misunderstand or misrepresent a complex local situation. The people suffering are the civilians caught in the middle.
A
Ananya R
Centuries-old temples causing modern-day conflict... reminds one of our own historical sites and the care needed in handling such sensitive issues. Dialogue is the only way forward, not grenades. The curfew is sad but necessary for safety.
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Vikram M
While I sympathize with the displaced, I respectfully disagree with the tone of some comments. Thailand has a right to defend its territory if grenades are being launched from within it. The PM's clarification was needed after Trump's premature announcement.
K
Kavya N
So much miscommunication! "It is likely a misunderstanding," says the PM. When leaders aren't on the same page, it's the soldiers and villagers who pay the price. Hope Malaysia's Anwar Ibrahim's appeal for calm is heeded soon.
M
Michael C
The scale of displacement is staggering. It underscores the importance of clear and settled international borders, something many countries in the region grapple with. A sobering read.

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