[Op-Ed] Thailand Disrespects Ceasefire Initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump

[Op-Ed] Thailand Disrespects Ceasefire Initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump

The world must remain vigilant: Dangerous handshake of the Thai military in 2025

It is deeply regrettable that the Thai military committed such a reckless act by crossing into Cambodian territory and capturing Cambodian soldiers, after the ceasefire officially came into effect at midnight (24:00) on 29 July 2025, as declared in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This incident further affirms Thailand’s aggressive behavior and its blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement.

Handshake is not only a simple gesture of greeting but also expresses trustworthiness and close connection. In contrast, on 29 July 2025, just a day after a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand was declared in Malaysia and overwhelmingly welcomed by major superpowers and many countries in the region, handshake turned into the capture of Cambodian soldiers instead. 21 Cambodian soldiers were trapped and captured by Thai army when they went to greet Thai soldiers, believing that they were aware of the ceasefire and ready to fully comply with it. Cambodian soldiers were gentle and honest and believed that Thai soldiers were the same. So they just went to shake hands with them with no caution at all.

Upon hearing the full story about this dishonest behavior of the Thai soldiers this afternoon, Cambodian people are totally shocked and feeling hurt so badly.

This clearly demonstrates that Thailand is violating the ceasefire agreement, despite efforts at mediation by major powers and ASEAN countries. Therefore, Cambodia urgently calls on the international community to take firm and immediate measures against the Thai military.