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.^{[1][2][3][4][5]} ### 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.^{[1][3][6][7][8][4][5][9]} 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.^{[2][3][7][8][10][11][12][13][4][5][14]} 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.^{[1][2][7][8][4][5]} 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."^{[2][7][8][4][5][14]} Sokhonn stated on Cambodian state television that both sides discussed the matter and agreed to investigate and "resolve it immediately."^{[1][2][7][8][4][5]} 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."^[1][6][8] Winthai warned that these actions could affect the security of military personnel and civilians in border areas.^[1][6][8] He also indicated that Thailand might reconsider releasing 18 Cambodian soldiers held since July.^{[1][6][7][8][4][9][14]} The release of these soldiers was a key part of the ceasefire agreement.^{[7][8][10][13][4]} ### 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.^[7] This includes small arms, vehicles, artillery, and unmanned aerial vehicles.^[7] Thai military assessments described the detected drones as resembling FPV "kamikaze" types, similar to those seen in the Russia-Ukraine war.^[7] While fully assembled "kamikaze" drones are unlikely to be imported due to export restrictions, their components could originate from Chinese supply chains.^[7] Earlier in 2025, the Chinese Embassy in Thailand denied claims that Beijing had donated drones to Cambodia for border operations.^[15][16][17] The embassy clarified that images circulating online were from a flight demonstration event in January 2024.^[16][17] 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.^[18] 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.^[18] China has also played a significant role in mediating the recent ceasefire.^{[3][8][4][19][20][14]} Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi hosted his Cambodian and Thai counterparts for trilateral talks in Yunnan province on December 29.^[3][8][19] Beijing pledged its involvement in a five-part roadmap to stabilize ties and consolidate the ceasefire.^[19] This includes assistance with landmine removal and support for the ASEAN Observer Team monitoring the truce.^{[10][12][13][19]} ### Escalating Border Tensions The recent drone incursions come amidst a long-running and often violent border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia.^[12][21] The conflict primarily stems from competing claims over undemarcated land and ancient temples along their 800-kilometer shared border.^{[3][11][12][13][21]} Hostilities reignited in early December 2025, leading to weeks of intense fighting.^{[3][7][8][10][11][12][13]} This round of clashes resulted in at least 101 deaths and displaced over one million people on both sides.^{[3][7][8][10][11][12][4][5][14]} 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.^{[10][12][13][19]} Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and military leaders are carefully assessing the ceasefire's effectiveness.^[20] Senior Thai military sources believe a renewed outbreak of fighting is possible.^[20] Cambodia, however, maintains that calm has prevailed along the border since the ceasefire took effect.^[19] The international community watches closely as the fragile truce faces its latest challenge.

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