Thailand has accused Cambodia of violating the ceasefire agreement reached on Monday to end five days of border clashes, as Cambodian forces allegedly continued their attacks after midnight, when the ceasefire officially took effect.

In a press briefing on Tuesday (29 July), Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai told the media that the Thai government had made a sincere effort to cease the border clashes and implement the ceasefire, which took effect at midnight on 28 July.

However, it was found that the Cambodian forces violated the ceasefire deal by launching attacks on. Thai forces across multiple areas after midnight. In response, Thai forces were compelled to take decisive and proportionate action to defend national sovereignty and protect civilians.

Earlier, the Royal Thai Army (RTA) reported that the Cambodian side had violated the ceasefire agreement, with disturbances and weapon attacks reported in multiple areas, including Chong Bok, Chong An Ma, Sam Tae, Prasat Ta Kwai, and Phu Ma Kheua.

According to the report, at the designated time, the Thai side continued to detect the use of weapons. The Cambodian side to attack Thai territory at multiple points, which constituted a deliberate violation of the agreement with the intention of destroying mutual trust.

“The Royal Thai Army clarified that the Thai side strictly complied with the said agreement by implementing a ceasefire in the Thai-Cambodia border area immediately upon the designated time with sincere intentions and firm adherence to the mutual commitment agreed upon by both governments,” said the RTA in its statement.

At the same time, according to the Khmer Times, Lt Gen Maly Socheata, spokesperson of the Cambodian Defence Ministry, said that from midnight on 28 July to the morning on 29 July, no sounds of gunfire were heard along the Cambodia-Thailand border.

The defence spokesperson later rejected the Thai Army's claim that gunfire occurred after the ceasefire took effect. “Cambodian forces have strictly implemented, and will continue to strictly implement, the army command’s instructions and the ceasefire agreement, which took effect at midnight,” said Lt Gen Maly.

The Thai Foreign Minister, Maris Sangiampongsa, revealed that the Ministry has submitted official protest letters regarding Cambodia’s ceasefire violations to Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim, in his capacity as ASEAN Chair, as well as to the United States and the People’s Republic of China, both of whom serve as observers to the ceasefire agreement.

Despite the accusation, military commanders from both sides met earlier this morning to discuss and implement the ceasefire agreement. Both sides agreed to an immediate ceasefire and halted troop deployment along the border.

According to the Ad Hoc Centre for the Thailand-Cambodia Border Situation, as of 6.00 a.m. on Tuesday, Thai authorities had regained full control over 11 key areas along the Thai-Cambodian border: Phu Makhuea, Chong An Ma, Ta Muen Thom Temple, Ta Kwai Temple, the Chong Bok border, Don Tual Temple, Satta Som, Chong Chom, Chong Sai Taku, Preah Vihear, and Phlan Yao.

14 civilians were killed, while 13 sustained serious injuries, 13 suffered moderate injuries, and 13 had minor injuries. 188,729 Thai civilians were evacuated. 20 hospitals were affected, with 13 ceasing operations. In addition, 175 subdistrict health centres were also affected.

Maratee Nalita Andamo, Deputy Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Information Department, reiterated Thailand’s call for Cambodia to adhere to the ceasefire agreement.

She also urged Cambodia to ensure the safety of Thai citizens in Cambodia, while asserting that Thailand is committed to protecting Cambodian citizens within its borders.

Displaced residents have been encouraged to remain in shelters until the situation settles.