As border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia intensified into their third day, U.S. President Donald Trump stepped in with a high-profile diplomatic move. Posting from Scotland on Truth Social, Trump announced direct calls with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, urging both leaders to agree to an immediate ceasefire.
The conflict, which began after a Cambodian soldier was killed in May, escalated dramatically in late July. Artillery, rockets, and airstrikes have ravaged border provinces, including Surin and Trat in Thailand and Pursat and Battambang in Cambodia, leaving at least 33 dead and displacing over 168,000 civilians2.
Trump warned that U.S. trade negotiations would be suspended if hostilities continued. “We do not want to make any Deal, with either Country, if they are fighting,” he posted, referencing ongoing talks that could lower steep 36% tariffs on Cambodian and Thai exports4.
Thailand responded by agreeing “in principle” to a ceasefire but demanded proof of Cambodia’s sincerity. Cambodia, meanwhile, accused Thailand of using cluster munitions, a claim Thailand has not denied. The dispute has also triggered political fallout: Thailand’s suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra faces criticism for mishandling the crisis2.
The UN Security Council, ASEAN, and regional powers like Malaysia and China have urged both sides to de-escalate. Malaysia proposed a ceasefire framework, which Cambodia supports and Thailand is reviewing5.
Trump compared the situation to the India-Pakistan conflict, saying he was “trying to simplify a complex situation.” He expressed optimism, stating, “Ceasefire, Peace, and Prosperity seems to be a natural. We will soon see!”3
Despite the calls and public statements, no formal ceasefire has been signed. Both nations have agreed to meet, but no timeline or venue has been confirmed. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, as the risk of full-scale war looms.
