Thailand on Tuesday said Cambodia must be the first to formally announce a ceasefire to halt more than a week of deadly fighting along their disputed border, as renewed hostilities continue to displace hundreds of thousands and raise regional alarm.

Speaking to reporters in Bangkok, Thai Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maratee Nalita Andamo stated that Cambodia, which Thailand accuses of initiating the latest escalation, bears responsibility for declaring a truce.

“As the aggressor onto Thai territory, Cambodia must announce the ceasefire first,” Andamo said, adding that Phnom Penh must also cooperate “sincerely” in de-mining efforts along the frontier.

The latest round of fighting between the Southeast Asian neighbors has killed at least 34 people, including soldiers and civilians, and forced around 800,000 people to flee their homes, according to official figures. Cambodian authorities reported that 17 civilians have been killed inside Cambodia, while Thailand said 16 of its soldiers and one civilian have died.

Both sides have accused each other of instigating the clashes, with each claiming self-defense and alleging attacks on civilian areas. Cambodia did not immediately respond to Thailand’s ceasefire demand.

The fighting has continued despite claims by U.S. President Donald Trump last week that Thailand and Cambodia had agreed to a ceasefire beginning Saturday night. Bangkok later denied that any such agreement had been reached.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said his government supported a ceasefire initiative proposed by Malaysia, the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), with the participation of the United States. However, clashes have persisted daily since December 7, spreading to at least seven provinces on both sides of the border.

Cambodia, whose military is significantly smaller and less equipped than Thailand’s, accused Thai forces on Monday of expanding their operations “deep into” Cambodian territory. Phnom Penh further alleged that Thai air strikes had hit Siem Reap province for the first time in the current conflict, raising fears over damage to areas near the historic Angkor temple complex. Thailand has not publicly confirmed the allegation.

The fighting has reportedly involved heavy artillery, tanks, and Thai fighter jets. Cambodian authorities said no military deaths had been reported on their side in the latest clashes.

The conflict stems from a long-running territorial dispute over parts of the 800-kilometer border drawn during the colonial era, particularly areas surrounding ancient temple ruins situated along the frontier.

Earlier this year, five days of intense fighting in July killed dozens before a ceasefire was brokered through mediation by the United States, China, and Malaysia. That truce later collapsed. In October, Thailand and Cambodia agreed in Kuala Lumpur to extend the ceasefire, a deal promoted by Washington alongside announcements of expanded trade cooperation.

However, Thailand suspended the agreement the following month after several Thai soldiers were wounded by landmines during border patrols. Bangkok accused Cambodia of laying new mines, an allegation Phnom Penh has denied.

The escalating violence has also disrupted cross-border movement. Thai authorities said between 5,000 and 6,000 Thai nationals remain stranded in the Cambodian border town of Poipet after Phnom Penh closed land border crossings on Saturday.

Cambodia’s Interior Ministry described the closures as a “necessary measure” to protect civilians amid ongoing combat, noting that air travel remains available.

ASEAN foreign ministers are scheduled to hold emergency talks on December 22 in Malaysia, as regional leaders intensify diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation and push both sides toward a sustainable ceasefire.

Observers say continued fighting risks undermining regional stability and could further strain ASEAN’s role as a mediator unless a mutually agreed halt to hostilities is achieved soon. (ILKHA)