South Ayrshire: Thailand and Cambodia have expressed gratitude to Donald Trump for his mediation efforts following recent border clashes, even as shelling continues between the two nations. Trump announced on Saturday that he had urged the leaders of both countries to agree to an immediate ceasefire during phone calls made at the start of his private visit to his Scottish golf courses.
According to BBC, Trump shared on Truth Social that Cambodia and Thailand “have agreed to immediately meet and quickly work out a Ceasefire and, ultimately, PEACE!” Cambodia has accepted the call for a ceasefire, while Thailand emphasized the necessity of dialogue between the nations. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet stated that Trump’s mediation “will truly help protect the lives of many soldiers and civilians,” expressing Cambodia’s agreement with the proposal for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.
Conversely, Thailand has shown willingness to consider a ceasefire but maintains that dialogue with Cambodia is a prerequisite. Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai expressed appreciation to Trump for his concern, noting that Thailand agrees in principle to a ceasefire but desires to see sincere intentions from Cambodia. The ongoing conflict has resulted in at least 33 deaths and the displacement of thousands of Thai and Cambodian nationals since it began on July 24.
Trump has indicated that he is eager to resume trade talks with both nations but stated that it is inappropriate to engage in discussions until the “fighting STOPS.” This intervention comes a week before US tariffs on Cambodia and Thailand are set to take effect, with a 36% tax on goods from these countries starting August 1 unless a resolution is reached.
The US president’s involvement in the situation is unexpected, as Thailand’s foreign minister Maris Sangiampongsa previously mentioned that mediation from a third country was unnecessary. Prior to Trump’s intervention, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had also offered to facilitate talks between the two nations. The border dispute, which dates back more than a century, has seen both countries accuse each other of initiating the recent clashes, with allegations of drone surveillance and territorial violations at the heart of the conflict.