Phnom Penh and Bangkok – November 13, 2025 – The US-backed peace declaration between Cambodia and Thailand, presided over by former President Donald Trump, is unraveling after fresh clashes along their disputed border left at least one Cambodian civilian dead and three others wounded. The violence comes just days after Thailand announced it was suspending key provisions of the peace agreement following a landmine explosion that injured four Thai soldiers.

Renewed Violence Along the Cambodia-Thailand Border

Cambodian officials reported that Thai soldiers opened fire on civilians in Prey Chan village, Banteay Meanchey province, on Wednesday. The Cambodian Ministry of Defense condemned the attack, stating it violated the peace declaration and aimed to incite conflict. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet called for an independent investigation and urged the Thai military to immediately cease the use of force against civilians.

“I strongly condemn the latest clash as an act against international law,” Hun Manet said. “Cambodia remains committed to the ceasefire agreement.”

In contrast, Thailand’s Royal Army claimed that Cambodian troops fired first toward Sa Kaeo province, prompting Thai forces to take cover and return warning shots. No Thai casualties were reported, and the engagement lasted approximately ten minutes, according to army spokesperson Maj. Gen. Winthai Suwaree.

Background: A Fragile Peace

The Cambodia-Thailand border has long been a flashpoint due to territorial disputes dating back to French colonial maps drawn in 1907. Key contested areas include ancient temples and border villages such as Preah Vihear and Prey Chan, where civilians have repeatedly been caught in crossfire.

The latest escalation follows a five-day conflict in July 2025 that killed dozens and displaced roughly 200,000 people. The initial ceasefire was brokered after diplomatic intervention by Donald Trump, Chinese officials, and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

A subsequent peace declaration in late October 2025 committed both sides to withdraw heavy weapons, conduct de-mining operations, and reduce military provocations. Despite these agreements, many truce terms remain unimplemented, leaving the border vulnerable to renewed skirmishes.

Civilians Caught in the Crossfire

Residents of Prey Chan described panic and fear during the renewed shooting. Villager Hul Malis told reporters, “They just shot at us. We did nothing. I am so frightened, I am running away now.” Images and video released by Cambodia allegedly show wounded civilians being transported to hospitals, though independent verification is limited.

Cambodia evacuated hundreds of villagers to a Buddhist temple 30 kilometers from the border for safety. ASEAN observers are on-site to monitor the situation and prevent further escalation.

Landmine Incident Sparks Truce Breakdown

Thailand’s suspension of the peace agreement followed a landmine explosion in Sisaket province that injured four Thai soldiers. Bangkok claims Cambodia planted the device, which Phnom Penh denies. The mine blast, coupled with the latest border shooting, has cast doubt on the durability of the US-mediated peace process.

Experts warn that without resolving the underlying territorial dispute, sporadic clashes are likely to continue, threatening both civilian lives and regional stability along the 500-mile (800-kilometer) Cambodia-Thailand border.