Thailand has accused Cambodia of violating a newly implemented ceasefire after its military detected hundreds of unmanned aerial vehicles crossing the border, raising fears that the fragile truce could unravel only days after it took effect.
The Royal Thai Army said on Monday that more than 250 UAVs were detected flying from Cambodian territory into Thai airspace late Sunday night, less than forty eight hours after both sides agreed to halt hostilities.
In a statement, the army said the activity “constitutes provocation and a violation of measures aimed at reducing tensions,” adding that the actions were inconsistent with the ceasefire terms reached following weeks of fighting.
The agreement, which came into force at noon local time on Saturday, was intended to freeze front lines, prevent troop reinforcements, and allow civilians displaced by the conflict to begin returning home.
The ceasefire had been widely viewed as a breakthrough after nearly one million people were forced to flee border areas during five days of intense clashes that left dozens of soldiers and civilians dead.
Thailand and Cambodia reached the deal after days of negotiations, supported by diplomatic engagement from China and the United States. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi later described the truce as “hard won,” while U.S. President Donald Trump praised its “rapid and fair conclusion.”
Read Also: Cambodia Thailand Ceasefire Welcomed By China
Despite the agreement, Thai military officials warned that continued violations could prompt a reassessment of confidence building measures.
In its statement, the Royal Thai Army said it “may need to reconsider” the planned release of eighteen Cambodian soldiers detained in Thailand since July.
Thailand would be “obliged to act in accordance” with its national interests if violations of agreements and sovereignty continue, the army added.
Cambodia has not publicly responded to the allegations. Officials in Phnom Penh have previously accused Thailand of provocations during earlier flare ups, according to reporting by Reuters and the BBC.
The border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia dates back more than a century and has periodically sparked military confrontations, particularly around contested temple sites.