Trump calls for ceasefire between Thailand, Cambodia

United States President, Donald Trump has called for an immediate ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia, following deadly border clashes that have left at least 33 people dead and displaced thousands.

Trump disclosed on Saturday that he had held discussions with Cambodian Prime Minister, Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting Prime Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, and said both leaders had “agreed to immediately meet and quickly work out a Ceasefire and, ultimately, PEACE!” in a statement posted on his Truth Social platform.

Phumtham confirmed that Thailand, in principle, accepted the ceasefire, but added that the Thai government would like to see “the sincerity of the Cambodian side” before committing fully to the deal.

The conflict, which erupted on 24 July, has forced thousands of Thai and Cambodian nationals to flee their homes, with each country accusing the other of initiating the latest round of violence. 

Thailand claims Cambodian forces used drones for surveillance near its border positions, while Cambodia insists that Thai troops advanced on a historic Khmer-Hindu temple in breach of a previous agreement.

Trump’s remarks come just a week before new U.S. tariffs on imports from both countries are scheduled to take effect on 1 August. 

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Under the pending policy, businesses shipping goods from Thailand or Cambodia to the United States would face a 36 percent tax unless a new trade agreement is secured. Trump said he was keen to resume trade negotiations but stressed it would not be appropriate until the “fighting STOPS”.

His intervention has raised questions, particularly after Thailand’s foreign minister, Maris Sangiampongsa, stated just a day earlier that there was no need for mediation from any third country. 

Meanwhile, Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, had earlier offered to facilitate talks between the warring neighbours.

Cambodia had also issued a call for an immediate ceasefire earlier on Saturday, ahead of Trump’s announcement. 

The longstanding territorial dispute between the two Southeast Asian nations traces back to the colonial-era demarcation of borders during the French occupation of Cambodia.

Trump, who made the remarks during a private visit to his golf resort in Turnberry, Scotland, said he looked forward to finalising trade agreements with both countries “when all is done, and peace is at hand.”

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