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thailand-Cambodia Ceasefire Threatened by Drone Flights, Soldier Handover Delayed
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A fragile truce between Thailand and Cambodia is facing renewed strain after Bangkok delayed the transfer of 18 captured Cambodian soldiers, citing alleged violations of the agreement involving drone activity. The ceasefire, which began on Saturday, had reached the 72-hour mark – the point at which the soldiers’ release was slated to occur – but concerns over continued breaches are casting a shadow over the peace process.
Drone Intrusion Sparks New Tensions
On Tuesday, a spokesperson for the Thai Foreign Ministry stated that Bangkok had reconsidered the timing of the handover following reports of Cambodian drone intrusions into Thai airspace on Sunday night. “The consideration of date and time of the release depends on the security side,” the spokesperson said at a news conference, adding that the handover could “happen soon.”
The Thai military previously accused Cambodia of violating the ceasefire terms, claiming that over 250 drones entered Thai territory on Sunday night. This accusation has heightened tensions and raised questions about Cambodia’s commitment to the truce.
Cambodia Remains Silent on Allegations
When asked about the delay in the soldiers’ release, a Cambodian government spokesperson indicated that the situation was being monitored, but offered no immediate reaction, according to reports from the Reuters news agency. This silence has further fueled concerns about a lack of transparency and willingness to address Thailand’s grievances.
A History of Conflict and Fragile Truces
The current ceasefire aims to halt 20 days of fighting that resulted in over 100 fatalities and displaced more than half a million people on both sides of the border.The conflict, rooted in long-standing territorial disputes, was briefly paused in July following a truce brokered by the United States and Malaysia, but flared up again last month. Landmines have been a significant trigger for the recent violence, with a Thai soldier losing a limb in a blast on Monday, prompting a formal protest from the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Cambodia.
Ceasefire Deemed “Fragile”
Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow acknowledged the precarious nature of the truce earlier on Tuesday. “The ceasefire has only just been agreed, so there is fragility,” he told reporters.”We should avoid instigation or things that could diminish the ceasefire.” This statement underscores the delicate balance and the need for both sides to exercise restraint.
Displacement and Uncertainty Persist
Reporting from the Cambodian city of Poipet, near the Thai border, Al Jazeera’s Assed Baig described an “uneasy calm” prevailing amidst the ceasefire. Hundreds of people are gathering, awaiting the distribution of essential aid. While some Cambodians are beginning to return home, many remain hesitant.
“Some say they will stay put in the [internally displaced persons] camps because they’re still not certain that this ceasefire will hold,” Baig reported. “They’ve seen ceasefires before. They’ve seen them break down before.” Others are unable to return due to the continued presence of Thai troops in or near their villages, or because their homes have been destroyed.
Under the terms of the agreement, both sides have agreed to maintain their troops in their current positions. However, as Baig noted, “Whilst there is calm … nobody here is calling this ceasefire stable or permanent yet.” The future of the truce,and the fate
