South Ayrshire: Donald Trump has intervened in the ongoing border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, urging both nations to agree to an immediate ceasefire. During his private visit to Scotland, the US president announced on Truth Social that he had spoken with the leaders of both countries, who have "agreed to immediately meet and quickly work out a Ceasefire and, ultimately, PEACE!"
According to BBC, both nations expressed gratitude for Trump's involvement. Cambodia has agreed to the proposed ceasefire, with Prime Minister Hun Manet confirming their acceptance of Trump's mediation. Hun Manet stated that this intervention "will truly help protect the lives of many soldiers and civilians." Meanwhile, Thailand, while agreeing in principle to a ceasefire, emphasized the necessity for dialogue with Cambodia before proceeding. Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai acknowledged Trump's concern and reiterated Thailand's desire for Cambodia's sincere intentions toward peaceful negotiations.
The clash, which erupted on 24 July, has resulted in the deaths of at least 33 soldiers and civilians, and displaced thousands of citizens from both nations. Trump emphasized that trade discussions between the US, Cambodia, and Thailand would remain on hold until the conflict ceases. With US tariffs set to take effect on 1 August, businesses importing goods from these countries will face a 36% tax unless a resolution is achieved beforehand.
Despite Trump's involvement, the necessity of third-party mediation had been previously downplayed by Thailand's foreign minister, Maris Sangiampongsa. Additionally, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had extended an offer to mediate the discussions. Earlier that day, Cambodia had independently called for an immediate ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The origins of the ongoing dispute between Thailand and Cambodia trace back over a century, rooted in the demarcation of borders following the French occupation of Cambodia. Both nations have accused each other of initiating the recent hostilities, with Thailand attributing the skirmish to Cambodian drone surveillance, while Cambodia accuses Thai soldiers of encroaching on a Khmer-Hindu temple.