Bangkok: The US has called on Thailand to take "concrete actions" to de-escalate tensions with Cambodia as border clashes between the two nations continue. In a phone conversation with Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed Washington's concerns over the ongoing violence along the Cambodian border and highlighted the urgent need to lower tensions, according to a statement from State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott.
According to Anadolu Agency, Rubio urged Sihasak to implement measures to de-escalate the situation and encouraged Thailand to resume adherence to the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords. On a related note, Thailand confirmed on Friday that Cambodian forces shot down a Thai reconnaissance drone. Defense Minister Gen. Natthaphon Narkphanit described the incident as "regrettable" but inevitable during wartime, as reported by the Thai Enquirer.
Gen. Natthaphon further explained that the downed drone was a DP-20 (D-Eyes 04) surveillance drone, acknowledging that Cambodia has air defense capabilities to target such platforms. Additionally, Cambodia accused Thailand of firing artillery shells into a civilian area in Banteay Meanchey province and releasing toxic gas in the village of Chok Chey. However, the Thai military has consistently denied targeting civilian areas, asserting that its operations focus solely on military objectives.
According to Thai authorities, the ongoing conflict has resulted in the deaths of 21 Thai soldiers and 16 civilians. Meanwhile, Cambodia's Interior Ministry reported 18 Cambodian civilian fatalities and 78 injuries. Thousands of Cambodians participated in a peace rally on Thursday, calling for adherence to a ceasefire agreement.
The clashes persist despite US President Donald Trump's announcement last week that the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia had agreed to cease hostilities. A peace agreement was signed in October in Kuala Lumpur, attended by Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, but was later suspended following a landmine explosion that seriously injured Thai soldiers in a border province. The border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia has a long history, often leading to violence, including deadly clashes in July resulting in at least 48 casualties.