Thailand vows to continue military operations against Cambodia

Bangkok seemingly rebuffs Trump’s call for ceasefire; ASEAN could send observer team

- Philip Wen and May Wong

Thailand has vowed to continue military operations in its border conflict with Cambodia, with its foreign minister saying that earlier comments made by US President Donald Trump including that the latter had brokered a ceasefire between the two sides did not reflect an accurate understanding of the situation.

As fighting extended into a sixth day, Cambodia's Information Ministry accused Thailand of escalating its attacks on villages and civilian infrastructure in the early hours of Dec 13, saying that the Thai military deployed fighter jets to bomb a hotel and two bridges in Veal Veng district in western Pursat province.

“Thai forces have not stopped and are still continuing the bombing,” Cambodia’s Defence Ministry said.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, meanwhile, said he has requested the deployment of the ASEAN Observer Team, led by the Malaysian chief of defence forces, to monitor developments on the ground in an effort to support deescalation and promote transparency.

The mission will be complemented by satellite monitoring capabilities provided by the US government, with findings to be presented at the ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting on Dec 16.

Thailand’s aerial assault came just hours following Mr Trump’s claim that he had successfully negotiated a truce after speaking with both Thai Premier Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on Dec 12.