Washington: US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to engage in immediate discussions to establish a ceasefire, aiming to resolve the ongoing conflict that has persisted for three days along their shared border.
According to France24.com, Thailand's acting Prime Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, expressed gratitude towards Trump and stated that Thailand agrees in principle to implement a ceasefire. However, he emphasized the need for sincere intentions from the Cambodian side. Phumtham's remarks came in response to Trump's social media posts during his visit to Scotland, where Trump communicated with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Phumtham, warning that continued border conflict would jeopardize trade deals with both nations.
Before Trump's intervention, the border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia extended into a third day, with new conflict zones emerging as both countries claimed self-defense and urged the other to cease hostilities and begin negotiations. Early Saturday, clashes were reported in Thailand's coastal province of Trat and Cambodia’s Pursat Province, opening a new front over 100 kilometers from previous conflict sites along the contested border.
The recent tensions trace back to the killing of a Cambodian soldier in late May during a brief skirmish, leading to reinforced military presence on both sides and escalating into a diplomatic crisis threatening Thailand's fragile coalition government. As of Saturday, Thailand reported the deaths of seven soldiers and 13 civilians, while Cambodia recorded five soldiers and eight civilian casualties.
Trump's direct involvement follows previous US calls for restraint from both parties. He engaged with each leader, conveying messages to facilitate a ceasefire agreement. "They have agreed to immediately meet and quickly work out a Ceasefire and, ultimately, PEACE!" Trump announced, emphasizing both nations' desire to resume trade negotiations. However, he did not provide specifics on the ceasefire talks’ logistics.
The White House, along with Thai and Cambodian embassies in Washington, did not immediately address inquiries about the timing and location of the proposed talks. Meanwhile, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, ASEAN's chair, stated his commitment to promoting a ceasefire. Cambodia supports Anwar's plan, while Thailand has agreed in principle.
Security tensions escalated during a United Nations Security Council meeting on Friday, where Thailand's ambassador accused Cambodia of planting land mines on Thai soil and launching attacks, which Cambodia denied. In turn, Cambodia accused Thailand of unprovoked military aggression and called for international condemnation of Thailand's actions.
The border dispute has historical roots, particularly over the ownership of ancient Hindu temples, including the 11th-century Preah Vihear, awarded to Cambodia by the International Court of Justice in 1962, a decision contested by Thailand.
Cambodia has sought court intervention to resolve the disputes, but Thailand prefers bilateral negotiations, highlighting the complex geopolitical dynamics surrounding the ongoing conflict.