Thailand, Cambodia Agree to Immediate Ceasefire Talks: Donald Trump
Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to hold immediate ceasefire talks following three days of fierce border fighting in which at least 33 people have been killed and more than 150,000 forced to flee their homes, US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday. Trump, currently visiting Scotland, stated via Truth Social that he had personally spoken with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, warning both that continued hostilities would put future US trade deals at risk.
Both leaders agreed to swiftly convene for negotiations aiming to end the bloodshed along the disputed 817-kilometre border. “Both Parties are looking for an immediate Ceasefire and Peace. They have agreed to immediately meet and quickly work out a ceasefire and, ultimately, PEACE!” Trump posted, touting US mediation efforts. Neither the White House nor either embassy provided formal confirmation or timelines for the upcoming talks, though regional and international actors have signalled support for a negotiated truce.
Thai Prime Minister Phumtham publicly endorsed a ceasefire ‘in principle’, calling for “sincere intention” from Cambodia and pushing for bilateral dialogue to ensure a lasting resolution. Cambodia, through its UN ambassador, reiterated calls for an immediate and unconditional halt to violence, expressing hope for a peaceful settlement.
The latest conflict marks the worst escalation between the Southeast Asian neighbours in over a decade. Fighting has spread to new fronts, including Thailand’s coastal Trat Province and Cambodia’s Pursat Province, far from the initial flashpoint. The violence flared in the wake of the late-May killing of a Cambodian soldier, leading to mass military deployments and heavy exchanges of artillery and firepower. Both countries accuse each other of launching the first attack.
Thai authorities report 20 deaths so far (seven soldiers, 13 civilians), while Cambodia has confirmed 13 fatalities (five soldiers, eight civilians), with dozens more injured. Cambodian officials say that over 138,000 residents have been displaced in Thailand and around 20,000 evacuated in Cambodia. Shelling has hit schools, hospitals, and temples, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis on both sides of the border.
At the heart of recurring tensions lies a dispute over ancient temples, particularly Preah Vihear, a UNESCO World Heritage site awarded to Cambodia in a 1962 International Court of Justice ruling—one which Thailand never fully accepted. Historical grievances, military posturing, and nationalistic sentiments have repeatedly sparked violence, with this week’s flare-up being the deadliest since fighting in 2008–2011.
The crisis drew swift reaction from the international community and regional group ASEAN, both urging restraint and mediation. The United Nations Security Council held an emergency session Friday to discuss the escalating conflict and appeal for an immediate ceasefire.
Meanwhile, India has issued a travel advisory for its nationals in both countries, urging them to avoid affected border provinces, echoing similar alerts from other foreign missions.
As both governments prepare to meet, the world watches for a breakthrough that could end the deadly cycle of violence and displacement along one of Southeast Asia’s most volatile frontiers.
