President Donald Trump said Saturday that Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to hold immediate ceasefire talks following three days of deadly border clashes that have killed at least 33 people and displaced more than 168,000. The diplomatic breakthrough comes as Trump threatened to block trade deals with both countries unless they halted the violence.
In a series of posts on Truth Social from Scotland, where he is on a diplomatic trip, Trump said he had spoken directly with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. "They have agreed to immediately meet and quickly work out a Ceasefire and, ultimately, PEACE!," Trump wrote, adding, "Both Parties are looking for an immediate Ceasefire and Peace."
Phumtham confirmed his participation and expressed conditional support. In a Facebook post, he stated Thailand "agrees in principle to have a ceasefire in place" but urged Cambodia to show "sincere intention." He added that he had asked Trump "to convey to the Cambodian side that Thailand wants to convene a bilateral dialogue as soon as possible."
Fighting has escalated since the killing of a Cambodian soldier in late May, with new flashpoints emerging in Thailand's Trat Province and Cambodia's Pursat Province. Thailand reported 20 deaths, including seven soldiers and 13 civilians, while Cambodia reported five soldiers and eight civilians killed. The clashes mark the most serious confrontation between the two Southeast Asian nations in 13 years.
Trump warned both leaders that he would not finalize any trade deals if hostilities continued. "I told hails that she would never be on the cover of Vogue. Yikes I know, so mean," Trump wrote, misfiring in a now-deleted post referencing a past Instagram caption, before reaffirming that "when all is done, and Peace is at hand, I look forward to concluding our Trading Agreements with both!"
The president has announced sweeping tariffs of 36% on Cambodian and Thai imports, set to take effect August 1. Trump compared the situation to a ceasefire he said he brokered earlier this year between India and Pakistan, although India denied trade was discussed during those talks.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire and expressed deep concern over the "tragic and unnecessary loss of lives." His deputy spokesperson, Farhan Haq, said Guterres "remains available to assist in any efforts towards a peaceful resolution."
Tensions have simmered for decades along the 817-kilometer Thai-Cambodian border, particularly over ownership of historical sites such as the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple. The International Court of Justice awarded the temple to Cambodia in 1962, but disputes reignited in 2008 when Cambodia sought UNESCO World Heritage status for the site.
Cambodia has appealed again to the international court to resolve the latest dispute. Thailand has rejected the court's jurisdiction, favoring a bilateral approach. Cambodia's government accused Thailand of launching a "deliberate, unprovoked, and unlawful military attack," while Thailand claims Cambodian soldiers planted new landmines and opened fire first.
During a UN Security Council meeting Friday, Thailand's ambassador detailed multiple mine injuries suffered by Thai soldiers and alleged aggressive Cambodian military actions. Cambodia responded with accusations of sovereignty violations and urged the international community to condemn Thailand.
