Phnom Penh: US President Donald Trump on Saturday said both Cambodia and Thailand want an immediate ceasefire, as deadly fighting between the two neighbors entered a third day. In an attempt to end the conflict, Trump said he had spoken to Cambodian leader Hun Manet and Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. "After speaking to both Parties, Ceasefire, Peace, and Prosperity seems to be a natural. We will soon see!" Trump posted on social media during a visit to Scotland.
According to Deutsche Welle, officials from Thailand and Cambodia did not immediately confirm any plan to meet. Earlier on Saturday, Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa stated that his country has agreed in principle to ASEAN's ceasefire proposal but insisted that "Cambodia must first cease the hostilities and show sincerity." Maris urged Cambodia to stop violating Thai sovereignty and to return to resolving the issue through bilateral dialogue, as he mentioned at a press conference in Bangkok. His comments came after an urgent United Nations Security Council meeting in New York on Friday.
Following the UN meeting, Cambodia's UN ambassador Chhea Keo expressed that his country "asked for an immediate ceasefire - unconditionally - and we also call for the peaceful solution of the dispute." The fighting, which began on Thursday, saw both countries blaming each other for firing first. At least 33 people have been killed and more than 130,000 people displaced in the worst fighting between the Southeast Asian neighbors in 13 years.
The ongoing conflict between Thailand and Cambodia revolves around disputes over jurisdiction of undemarcated points along their border, particularly focusing on the ownership of the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple, known as Khao Phra Viharn in Thailand. The International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 that Preah Vihear belongs to Cambodia, a decision never recognized by Thailand, which prefers a bilateral approach. Tensions heightened in 2008 when Cambodia sought to list the temple as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Cambodia returned to the court in 2011 following several clashes, and the court again ruled in Cambodia's favor in 2013. The conflict reignited this year after a brief clash in late May resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier.