BANGKOK — Thailand has filed formal protests with international observers after Cambodian forces violated a ceasefire agreement just hours after it took effect, escalating a border conflict that has now claimed 30 lives since July 24.

Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai announced Tuesday that Thailand has lodged complaints with the ASEAN Chair, United States, and China — all witnesses to Monday’s ceasefire negotiations in Malaysia — after Cambodian forces continued firing on Thai positions despite the midnight truce.

“Cambodia’s dishonesty and insincerity” prompted the government to inform international observers of the agreement violations, Phumtham stated at Government House.

Suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, now serving as Culture Minister, expressed little surprise at Cambodia’s actions, referencing her recent constitutional court suspension related to leaked private conversations with Cambodian leader Hun Sen during earlier border negotiations.

“Honestly, I’m not surprised by their ungentlemanly behavior,” Paetongtarn said, alluding to how private diplomatic conversations were recorded and publicized, ultimately leading to her removal from the prime minister’s post.

Military Reach Seven-Point Agreement

Despite reported violations, a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia appeared to largely hold. Thai and Cambodian military commanders held emergency talks Tuesday morning. Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang of Thailand’s 2nd Army Area met with General Pov Heng of Cambodia’s Military Region 4, reaching consensus on seven key points:

1. Complete ceasefire in all conflict areas
2. Protection of civilians from military operations
3. No troop reinforcements in disputed zones
4. No troop movements that could increase tensions
5. Facilitating casualty returns through humanitarian cooperation
6. Joint coordination team with four representatives from each side
7. Awaiting formal endorsement at the August 4 General Border Committee meeting

Rising Death Toll and Territorial Control

The conflict has now killed at least 15 civilians and 15 soldiers on the Thai side, with 14 civilians still hospitalized. Four additional soldiers died on July 28 alone.

The Interior Ministry reported that 188,734 people have been evacuated across seven border provinces and are housed in 770 shelters. Provincial governors told residents to stay away from affected areas until security agencies complete their situation assessment.

Thailand’s ad hoc Center for Thai-Cambodian Border Management (CTBM) reported controlling 11 strategic areas, including Phu Makheua, Chong An Ma, Prasat Ta Muean Thom, and Preah Vihear temple complex.

UNESCO Violations Alleged

Thai authorities accused Cambodia of using ancient archaeological sites as military shields, violating UNESCO cultural protection conventions. The CTBM condemned these actions as clear breaches of international obligations.

Earlier, Army spokesperson Major General Winthai Suvaree rejected Cambodian allegations on July 25 that Thai forces damaged Preah Vihear Temple, calling the claims “a clear distortion of facts.” He emphasized that Preah Vihear Temple was never within Thai weapons’ line of fire.

Government Stance

Acting PM Phumtham emphasized Thailand’s commitment to international law while vowing to protect national sovereignty. “Thai sovereignty will not be infringed upon under any circumstances,” he declared, while expressing readiness for higher-level negotiations to end the violence.

The government has instructed the Interior Ministry to expedite care for affected border populations, particularly evacuation assistance, while maintaining that Thailand’s adherence to international principles and humanitarian law will be evident to all nations.

Both countries remain committed to the August 4 General Border Committee meeting, where army-level agreements will seek formal policy endorsement to prevent future escalation.