Thai army accuses Cambodia of violating truce with over 250 drones

On Monday, the Thai military formally accused Cambodia of breaching a recently established ceasefire agreement. The accusation centers on the reported intrusion of more than 250 Cambodian drones into Thai airspace just one day after both nations had pledged to end weeks of violent border skirmishes that claimed dozens of lives and displaced over a million people.

The Thai army reported that these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were detected late Sunday night crossing into sovereign territory, particularly over provinces such as Ubon Ratchathani and Buri Ram. Military officials characterized the swarm as a deliberate provocation that directly contradicts the "immediate" truce signed on December 27. This development has cast a shadow over diplomatic talks hosted by China, where foreign ministers from both countries were attempting to restore mutual trust.

The fallout from the drone incident has immediate diplomatic consequences. As part of the original peace pact, Thailand had agreed to release 18 Cambodian soldiers who had been in custody since July. However, following the alleged airspace violation, Thai army spokesmen warned that the release of these prisoners is now being reconsidered. The military stated that any further hostile behavior would force them to prioritize national security over the agreed-upon prisoner exchange.

In response, Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn downplayed the severity of the incident, describing it as a "small issue" involving drones seen by both sides along the border. While he confirmed that both nations have agreed to investigate the matter, the rhetoric from Bangkok remains much more severe. The Thai military maintains that such high-volume drone activity is a sign of continued hostility rather than a minor technical oversight.

This latest flare-up is part of a long-standing territorial dispute over the 800-kilometer border, an area rich with ancient temple ruins claimed by both kingdoms. Despite the recent efforts of international mediators—including a previous truce attempt credited to U.S. President Donald Trump—the cycle of violence has proven difficult to break. Both nations are currently scheduled to meet again in early January to discuss the official demarcation of the border, though the success of those talks now hinges on whether the current ceasefire can be salvaged.