U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to hold immediate talks aimed at securing a ceasefire following three days of deadly border clashes that have left more than 30 people dead and displaced over 130,000.
In a series of social media posts during a visit to Scotland, Trump said he had spoken separately with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. He warned both leaders that continued conflict would jeopardize future trade deals with the U.S.
“Both Parties are looking for an immediate Ceasefire and Peace,” Trump said, adding that the leaders had agreed to meet promptly to work out terms for a ceasefire and long-term peace.
Phumtham, in a Facebook post, confirmed Thailand’s willingness to engage in dialogue, calling for “sincere intention” from Cambodia. He said he had asked Trump to convey Thailand’s readiness for bilateral talks aimed at ending the conflict and establishing mechanisms for peace.
The clashes, which erupted earlier this week, have spread beyond the original conflict zones, with fresh violence reported Saturday in Thailand’s Trat province and Cambodia’s Pursat region. The conflict escalated after the killing of a Cambodian soldier in late May, triggering a regional crisis and shaking Thailand’s fragile coalition government.
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern and called for an immediate ceasefire, condemning the “tragic and unnecessary” loss of life.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, current ASEAN chair, said the bloc supports a ceasefire proposal, with Cambodia backing the plan and Thailand agreeing “in principle.”
Trump expressed optimism that peace talks would clear the way for new U.S. trade agreements with both nations, stating, “When all is done… I look forward to concluding our Trading Agreements with both!”
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