Trump brokers ceasefire talks amid escalating Thai-Cambodian border clashes

UPDATED: Jul 27, 2025 00:52 IST

US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to meet immediately to negotiate a ceasefire, following three days of deadly border clashes that have left more than 30 people dead and over 130,000 displaced.

Trump, currently visiting Scotland, said via social media that he had spoken separately with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, warning both leaders that continued fighting would jeopardize potential US trade deals.

“Both Parties are looking for an immediate Ceasefire and Peace,” Trump wrote, detailing his efforts to mediate the conflict. He added that both nations were eager to return to the “Trading Table.”

Phumtham confirmed Thailand’s readiness to pursue a ceasefire “in principle” but emphasized the need for “sincere intention” from Cambodia. In a Facebook post, he asked Trump to convey Thailand’s willingness to hold bilateral dialogue aimed at long-term peace.
The recent violence marks the most severe fighting between the two Southeast Asian neighbors in over a decade. Skirmishes intensified Saturday in Trat Province, Thailand, and Cambodia’s Pursat Province—opening a new front over 100 kilometers from the initial conflict zone.
The hostilities follow the late-May death of a Cambodian soldier, sparking retaliatory deployments along the disputed 817-kilometer border. Disputes have long centred on ownership of ancient temples, especially the UNESCO-listed Preah Vihear, awarded to Cambodia in a 1962 Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling—a decision Thailand has never fully accepted.

As of Saturday, Thailand reported 20 fatalities (7 soldiers, 13 civilians), while Cambodia said 13 had died (5 soldiers, 8 civilians).
Cambodia’s defence ministry accused Thailand of unlawful aggression and military buildup, calling on the international community to condemn the actions. Meanwhile, Thailand reiterated its preference for bilateral resolution and accused Cambodia of landmine use and cross-border attacks.

At a UN Security Council session on Friday, Thai officials pushed for international attention to Cambodian “aggression.” Cambodia has meanwhile sought ICJ intervention again, though Thailand has rejected the court’s jurisdiction.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, chair of ASEAN, continues pushing for a ceasefire, gaining support from Cambodia and tentative backing from Thailand.

Despite ongoing exchanges of fire, Trump claimed a breakthrough: “They have agreed to immediately meet and quickly work out a Ceasefire and, ultimately, PEACE!” However, neither the White House nor the involved embassies has confirmed details of the upcoming talks.

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