Washington: US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to meet immediately to negotiate a ceasefire after three days of escalating conflict along their border.
According to France24.com, Thailand’s acting Prime Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, expressed gratitude toward Trump for his intervention. He stated that Thailand is open to a ceasefire but emphasized the need for genuine commitment from Cambodia. Phumtham’s remarks came in response to Trump’s social media posts during his visit to Scotland, where he mentioned discussions with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Phumtham, warning that trade deals would be on hold if the conflict continued.
Prior to Trump’s involvement, clashes had intensified along the Thai-Cambodian border, with both nations claiming self-defense in the ongoing dispute. The confrontation saw new conflict zones emerge, including Thailand’s coastal province of Trat and Cambodia’s Pursat Province, situated over 100 km from other contested areas.
The conflict traces back to the killing of a Cambodian soldier in May, which escalated into a diplomatic crisis threatening the stability of Thailand’s government. As of Saturday, Thailand reported seven soldiers and 13 civilians killed, while Cambodia reported five soldiers and eight civilians dead.
Trump’s direct engagement follows US appeals for both nations to exercise restraint. He conveyed messages between the leaders, leading to an agreement to meet and negotiate a ceasefire, with hopes of resuming trade discussions. However, details on the ceasefire talks remain undisclosed, with no immediate responses from the White House or the Thai and Cambodian embassies regarding the timing and location of the negotiations.
In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, representing the ASEAN bloc, pledged to continue advocating for a ceasefire. Cambodia has supported Anwar’s proposal, while Thailand has expressed agreement in principle. Anwar noted ongoing exchanges of fire and emphasized efforts to halt the fighting.
During a UN Security Council meeting on Friday, Thailand’s ambassador accused Cambodia of planting land mines in Thai territory and launching attacks, allegations Cambodia denied. Cambodia’s defense ministry accused Thailand of aggression and called for international condemnation, while Thailand insisted on resolving the issue bilaterally.
The territorial dispute has centered around undemarcated border points, including Hindu temples like Ta Moan Thom and the 11th-century Preah Vihear. Despite the International Court of Justice awarding Preah Vihear to Cambodia in 1962, tensions resurfaced in 2008 when Cambodia sought UNESCO World Heritage status for the site, leading to prolonged skirmishes.
In June, Cambodia sought the court’s intervention to resolve disputes, but Thailand, preferring bilateral negotiations, has not recognized the court’s jurisdiction.