**Thailand and Cambodia Face Ceasefire Tensions Following Border Clashes**

Despite a newly agreed ceasefire, fresh accusations arise as hostilities continue along the contentious Thailand-Cambodia border.

Thailand has lodged serious allegations against Cambodia, claiming it has "deliberately" breached a ceasefire initiated on Monday in a bid to halt border clashes that have tragically resulted in at least 33 deaths and the displacement of numerous residents. The ceasefire was intended to provide a respite after five days of intense bombardment and rocket attacks between the two nations, but its onset has been fraught with issues.

The Thai military stated that it refrained from further attacks after midnight, yet reported ongoing gunfire from Cambodian forces at several locations well into Tuesday morning. Conversely, Cambodia's defense ministry countered these allegations, asserting that there had been "no armed clashes" since the ceasefire took effect.

Key meetings between local commanders, part of the ceasefire agreement aimed at establishing a more durable peace, have been postponed twice—raising concerns about the ceasefire's viability. Tensions have escalated significantly since May when a Cambodian soldier was killed in an incident that marked a downward spiral in relations.

Following a landmine explosion that injured multiple Thai soldiers last week, Thailand closed certain border crossings, expelled Cambodia's ambassador, and recalled its own envoy. The situation deteriorated further with mutual exchanges of gunfire, culminating in multiple rocket attacks from Cambodia that resulted in civilian casualties on both sides.

Despite these escalating hostilities, Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet reported that conditions had "eased" as a result of the ceasefire, indicating moments of hope amid the chaos. The agreement had called for both nations to withdraw troops and accept mechanisms for independent monitoring to prevent future clashes.

This latest conflict draws from a historic backdrop of territorial disputes rooted in the colonial borders delineated after French occupation over a century ago. Hostilities officially reignited in 2008 when Cambodia sought UNESCO World Heritage status for a temple in a disputed area, further inflaming national passions. Sporadic violence had occurred over the years, but recent events have driven a wedge in diplomatic relations, with both countries imposing trade restrictions and strengthening military positions along the border.

The path forward remains uncertain as diplomatic negotiations face significant hurdles, underscoring the fragile nature of peace in the region.