The article reports on a new conflict emerging between Thailand and Cambodia at the disputed border, thus ending a US-mediated truce brokered under former President Trump. Casualties: At least 5 Thai soldiers and 7 Cambodian civilians have died since Monday. Mutual blame: Both sides have blamed each other for initiating the fighting. Thailand conducted airstrikes, but these began because Cambodian forces attacked Thai troops, according to Thailand. Historical background: A longstanding border dispute, dating back a century and traceable to colonial times. It escalated in 2008 because Cambodia tried to include the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple, which lies within the disputed area, as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
– July conflict: In early July, 48 were killed, and thousands were displaced. A temporary ceasefire deal led to the Kuala Lumpur peace accord, or Joint Declaration, as Thailand refers to it. Trump and Malaysia mediated. Ceasefire breakdowns: Thailand put a hold on it in November due to security threats, while Cambodia communicated it would honor it until the December flare-up. Current scenario: Both governments have opposing reports on who broke the truce. Trump called for adherence, but challenges remain, attributed to a lack of strong leadership from both. To sum up, a century-old border dispute, fueled by suspicion and nationalism, has once again erupted.
Let’s Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, We humbly ask that you bring peace and resolution in Thailand and Cambodia. We pray that you bless and protect the innocent people that are caught in the midst of the conflict, and that bring Your Spirit over these people. Lord, we pray for the leaders of these nations to humbly submit to Your instruction, and have faith and trust in Your judgment towards this situation and circumstances, and every situation and circumstance that comes across their paths. Holy Spirit, we pray for the body of Christ in Thailand and Cambodia, that You provide help and assistance for the work that You have called for them to do. Jesus, change the hearts of those directly involved in this conflict, show them that their true home is Your Kingdom that dwells within. Amen!
“He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares… Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.”
~Isaiah 2:4
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