Phnom Penh and Bangkok – November 13, 2025 – At least one Cambodian civilian was killed and three others were injured during fresh clashes along the Cambodia-Thailand border, signaling a serious breakdown in the US-brokered peace agreement previously hailed as a major diplomatic achievement by former President Donald Trump.

The renewed fighting comes just days after Thailand announced it was suspending the peace agreement following a landmine explosion in Sisaket province, which wounded four Thai soldiers, including one who lost a foot. Both nations have exchanged accusations over who initiated the latest skirmish.

Conflicting Accounts of the Incident

Cambodia’s Ministry of Defense stated that Thai forces opened fire twice—once at 3:50 p.m. and again at 5:54 p.m.—targeting civilians in border communities, including Prey Chan village, Banteay Meanchey province. Prime Minister Hun Manet condemned the attacks, calling for an independent investigation.

“I call on the Thai side to immediately cease the use of force against innocent Cambodian civilians in Prey Chan Village and to refrain from any use of force in addressing border issues between our two countries,” Hun Manet said in an official statement.

Thailand, however, maintains that Cambodian troops fired first at 4:10 p.m. into Sa Kaeo province, prompting Thai forces to respond with warning shots. According to the Royal Thai Army, the exchange lasted roughly ten minutes, with no Thai casualties reported. Thai officials accused Cambodian forces of deliberately planting landmines and tampering with border infrastructure.

“Thailand troops fired warning shots and responded according to the Rules on the Use of Force, taking great care to avoid civilian targets, in order to protect Thai lives and sovereignty,” the army statement said.

Fragile Peace Agreement at Risk

The current clashes highlight the fragility of the truce that ended five days of deadly fighting in July 2025, which left dozens dead and displaced hundreds of thousands. A subsequent peace declaration, signed in late October in Kuala Lumpur, included commitments to withdraw heavy weapons, conduct de-mining, and reduce military provocations, with Trump presiding over the ceremony alongside Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Cambodia even nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his role.

Despite the agreement, implementation has been incomplete, leaving the 500-mile (800-kilometer) Cambodia-Thailand border vulnerable to renewed skirmishes. The border dispute largely stems from a century-old map drawn during French colonial rule, with both nations claiming sovereignty over key areas, including Prey Chan and the Preah Vihear temple.

Civilian Impact

The ongoing clashes continue to endanger civilians living near the border. Cambodian officials shared images of injured villagers being transported to hospitals, while hundreds of residents from Prey Chan have been relocated to safer areas, including nearby Buddhist temples. ASEAN observer teams are actively monitoring the situation to prevent further escalation.

Analysts warn that without a comprehensive resolution to the territorial dispute, sporadic clashes and civilian casualties are likely to continue, threatening stability in Southeast Asia.