Thailand has declared a curfew along its coast as tensions with Cambodia escalate, with the border fighting spreading to coastal areas. This comes just two days after U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that both sides had agreed to a ceasefire. The Southeast Asian neighbors have been engaged in a series of clashes this year, with a Cambodian soldier's death in May reigniting the conflict and displacing hundreds of thousands. Thailand's Defense Ministry spokesman, Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri, emphasized that clashes have been continuous since Cambodia expressed openness to a ceasefire on Saturday. Despite Thailand's willingness to negotiate, Kongsiri stated that Cambodia must cease hostilities first. Thai forces have taken aggressive actions, including destroying a bridge and targeting pre-positioned artillery in Cambodia's coastal Koh Kong province. Cambodia has accused Thailand of striking civilian infrastructure. The curfew covers five districts in Trat province, excluding tourist islands, while a previous curfew remains in effect in the eastern Sakeo province. This border dispute has resulted in some of the most intense fighting since a five-day clash in July, which was mediated by Trump and Malaysia. Trump's recent statements and actions regarding the ceasefire have been met with mixed reactions, with a White House spokesperson emphasizing the need for all parties to honor their commitments. The situation remains tense, and the conflict's impact on the region's stability and the lives of those affected is a cause for concern.
