[Today's Prayer] Thailand, Cambodia Border Airstrike... 'Trump Mediation' Ceasefire Agreement Collapses One Month Later

On the 8th (local time), the Thai military launched a sudden airstrike toward Cambodian territory in the border dispute area. Just one day after sporadic shelling between the two countries, Thailand intensified its military strike by deploying air force power, raising concerns that the ceasefire agreement brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump last October is effectively falling apart.

According to AP, Reuters, and the Bangkok Post, the Thai military authorities stated in a press release that "aircraft were deployed to suppress Cambodian military support fire and struck multiple military targets." The Thai Air Force claimed that this operation precisely targeted only "military facilities that posed a direct threat," such as weapons depots, command and control centers, and supply routes within Cambodian territory.

This airstrike is an extension of the border clashes that began the previous day. Wintai Subari, spokesperson for the Thai Army, justified the airstrike by saying, "One Thai soldier was killed and four were injured due to an attack by Cambodian forces in the early hours of the 8th."

On the other hand, the Cambodian Ministry of Defense accused, "The Thai military attacked the Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey regions and shelled tanks near the Ta Mo Ne Thom temple." Cambodian authorities reported that three civilians were seriously injured in the clashes but did not disclose specific figures regarding military casualties.

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As the armed conflict between the two countries escalates into an air war, fear among residents in the border area has reached its peak. The Thai 2nd Army Command is conducting evacuation operations for about 385,000 residents in four border areas including Buriram and Surin, and over 35,000 people have already moved to temporary shelters. This exceeds the number of refugees during the five-day border dispute in July.

Due to this situation, the peace agreement signed on October 26 through mediation by President Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is at risk of becoming worthless in just over a month. At that time, President Trump showcased it as a diplomatic achievement, but following last month's landmine explosion and now the airstrike incident, his mediation ability is being tested.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar issued a statement urging an immediate ceasefire and diplomatic resolution, saying, "The ASEAN region must not fall into a vicious cycle of conflict."

Source: Nate News

"These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage. But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life." (Jude 1:19-21)

Heavenly Father, we hear the troubling news that recently the Thai military launched a sudden airstrike toward Cambodian territory in the border dispute area, and the ceasefire agreement brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump is effectively falling apart.

Lord, have mercy on the souls of Cambodia and Thailand caught in the ongoing conflict over the Preah Vihear Buddhist temple area, a dispute that has lasted over a hundred years and has recently intensified due to Cambodia's unilateral UNESCO World Heritage registration.

In problems that human power cannot solve, be the ruler of Cambodia and Thailand, and stop them from fighting to claim more territory on the land You created. Now, may Cambodia and Thailand lift their eyes from this earthly land that will disappear on the day You return, and hope for the eternal Kingdom of God, their true home.

May the churches of Cambodia and Thailand unite in God's love and lead the souls of Cambodia and Thailand to the Holy Spirit.

Amid the armed conflict, may the church serve the border residents who have abandoned their homes and livelihoods and become a Christ community built on the holy faith.

May the global church serve the souls of Cambodia and Thailand, strive to mediate the conflict, and send disciples nurtured by God's word and vision.

May a million-strong ASEAN army rise in Cambodia and Thailand, proclaiming the gospel of Christ's mercy and writing the history of salvation among ASEAN and all nations!