Border Clashes Continue Despite Ceasefire Call Between Thailand and Cambodia
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Initial Ceasefire Attempts and Ongoing Skirmishes
Despite a ceasefire called for by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces continued after the 10:00 p.m. local time deadline on December 13, 2023. Fighting was reported to be less frequent than earlier in the day, especially in the chong Samanma area.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim,acting as Chairman of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN),had urged Thailand and Cambodia to halt hostilities immediately. The proposed ceasefire includes plans for an ASEAN observation team to assess the situation on the ground, utilizing data from U.S. government satellites to verify compliance.
Conflicting Reports and Government Response
ThailandS Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Anutin Charnvirakul, stated on December 13, 2023, that there had been no prior discussion regarding the ceasefire initiative. He emphasized the importance of relying on official military announcements, which are released twice daily, and cautioned against using unverified news sources.Charnvirakul indicated that any actions taken would require discussion and a “clear and sincere attitude” towards ending the conflict.
Regional Reports of Activity
In the Phanom Dong Rak District of Surin Province, reports indicated a cessation of artillery, explosions, and small arms fire after 10:01 p.m. on December 13, 2023, with clashes quieting down after 9:00 p.m. However, the situation remained fluid, with uncertainty about potential renewed fighting.
On the Saddle Channel side, in Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thai forces had secured control of Hill 677 and Hill 500, but periodic clashes persisted after 10:00 p.m., albeit at a reduced intensity.
A concerning development was reported in Trat Province, were a suicide drone was discovered on the front line at 10:30 p.m. on December 13, 2023. Residents were advised to turn off lights and seek shelter if unmanned aircraft were spotted flying at low altitudes.
Ongoing Monitoring
The situation remains under close observation as of December 13, 2023, with continued monitoring expected to assess the effectiveness of the ceasefire and the potential for further escalation.
