Thailand's army on Monday accused Cambodia of violating a newly signed ceasefire agreement. Bangkok reported more than 250 drones flew from Cambodia into Thai territory on Sunday night. This incident threatens a fragile truce reached after weeks of deadly border clashes that displaced over one million people. China recently hosted talks between the two Southeast Asian nations.[sg+4]
Ceasefire in Jeopardy
The Royal Thai Army said its forces detected over 250 unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs, intruding into Thai sovereign territory on December 28.This aerial activity occurred just one day after Thailand and Cambodia agreed to an immediate ceasefire. The ceasefire took effect on December 27, aiming to end prolonged fighting.The Thai army labeled Cambodia's drone actions as a "provocation" and a clear violation of the joint statement signed during a bilateral border committee meeting.[sg+24]
Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn downplayed the drone incidents. He described them as a "small issue related to flying drones seen by both sides along the border line."Sokhonn stated on Cambodian state television that both sides discussed the matter and agreed to investigate and "resolve it immediately."[trtworld+11]
However, Thai army spokesman Major-General Winthai Suvaree voiced strong concern. He said the drone activity showed "Cambodia's continued provocative actions and hostile stance toward Thailand."Winthai warned that these actions could affect the security of military personnel and civilians in border areas.He also indicated that Thailand might reconsider releasing 18 Cambodian soldiers held since July.The release of these soldiers was a key part of the ceasefire agreement.[sg+17]
China's Deepening Ties
The drone incident highlights China's growing influence in Cambodia's military capabilities. China is Cambodia's primary military donor and supplier, providing most of its military hardware.This includes small arms, vehicles, artillery, and unmanned aerial vehicles.Thai military assessments described the detected drones as resembling FPV "kamikaze" types, similar to those seen in the Russia-Ukraine war.While fully assembled "kamikaze" drones are unlikely to be imported due to export restrictions, their components could originate from Chinese supply chains.[eurasiantimes+3]
Earlier in 2025, the Chinese Embassy in Thailand denied claims that Beijing had donated drones to Cambodia for border operations.The embassy clarified that images circulating online were from a flight demonstration event in January 2024.Despite these denials, Cambodia's Ministry of Defense formally requested the Chinese People's Liberation Army in April 2024 to train Cambodian military personnel in drone operation and piloting.General Ith Sarath, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, emphasized the need to expand drone skills to keep pace with global military technology.[pattayamail+6]
China has also played a significant role in mediating the recent ceasefire.Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi hosted his Cambodian and Thai counterparts for trilateral talks in Yunnan province on December 29.Beijing pledged its involvement in a five-part roadmap to stabilize ties and consolidate the ceasefire.This includes assistance with landmine removal and support for the ASEAN Observer Team monitoring the truce.[abs-cbn+13]
Escalating Border Tensions
The recent drone incursions come amidst a long-running and often violent border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia.The conflict primarily stems from competing claims over undemarcated land and ancient temples along their 800-kilometer shared border.[egyptindependent+6]
Hostilities reignited in early December 2025, leading to weeks of intense fighting.This round of clashes resulted in at least 101 deaths and displaced over one million people on both sides.An earlier ceasefire, brokered by US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, broke down in November after Thailand accused Cambodia of laying new landmines.[abs-cbn+19]
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and military leaders are carefully assessing the ceasefire's effectiveness.Senior Thai military sources believe a renewed outbreak of fighting is possible.Cambodia, however, maintains that calm has prevailed along the border since the ceasefire took effect.The international community watches closely as the fragile truce faces its latest challenge.[thaiexaminer+2]
