Ceasefire at risk as international alliance denounces Thai forces over deadly civilian assault
Photo: Members of the Centrist Democrat International (CDI-IDC) have expressed strong support for a peaceful settlement of the dispute between Cambodia and Thailand. Supplied
The Centrist Democrat International (CDI-IDC) has issued a sharp warning that the Cambodia–Thailand ceasefire is “at serious risk”, following the killing of a Cambodian civilian and the injuring of three others in Banteay Meanchey province on November 12.
The political alliance condemned the incident as an “unprovoked, cowardly attack” and urged Thailand to uphold its commitments under the peace truce signed less than a month earlier.
In a resolution adopted at its Executive Committee meeting in São Paulo on November 22, the CDI-IDC expressed deep alarm that the fragile peace secured on October 26 at the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur is being undermined by ongoing military aggression along the border.
“We vehemently condemn the use and threat of use of force,” the statement said, calling on the Thai government and military to demonstrate “the highest level of sincerity, integrity and decency” in honouring both the ceasefire and the principles of the ASEAN and UN Charters.
The group warned that continued violations could derail the peace process and jeopardise regional stability.
CDI-IDC’s resolution also reiterated its “full support” for the peace deal brokered with the involvement of US President Donald Trump, ASEAN chair Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia, and diplomatic backing from China and the wider international community.
The alliance praised the coordinated efforts that halted the July 24–28 border clashes, which had displaced thousands and triggered urgent humanitarian needs.
At the same time, the political grouping demanded the immediate and unconditional release of 18 Cambodian soldiers captured by Thai forces on July 29 — a day after the initial July 28 ceasefire was agreed.
CDI-IDC called their detention “illegal” and a blatant violation of international humanitarian law.
The organisation also urged both governments to accelerate the removal of unexploded ordnance and cluster munitions in affected border areas, stressing that civilians continue to face daily danger.
“Normalcy cannot be restored while UXOs remain buried in communities’ farmland and living spaces,” it stated.
Beyond the human toll, CDI-IDC expressed serious concern about the reported destruction of UNESCO World Heritage sites and other cultural properties during the clashes, some of which were damaged by heavy artillery and air strikes.
The group called for an independent investigation into these incidents and for urgent restoration efforts supported by the international community.
Despite the breakthrough in Kuala Lumpur, CDI-IDC warned that the peace agreement remains “highly fragile”, and urged all regional and international partners to maintain pressure to ensure compliance and prevent further escalation.
“As global political partners, we have a duty to end atrocities, uphold international law, and safeguard human dignity,” the resolution stressed, pledging to mobilise its worldwide network in support of peace, justice, and accountability in the region.
The statement adds political weight to growing international concerns over ongoing tensions at one of Southeast Asia’s most sensitive borders, as observers caution that stability now hinges on both sides’ willingness to honor the truce — and on global actors’ readiness to enforce it.
-The Phnom Penh Post-
