Trump Urges Ceasefire Between Cambodia and Thailand
On Saturday, President Donald Trump reached out to the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand, advocating for a ceasefire in ongoing conflicts. He stated that the U.S. will not consider re-engaging in trade discussions with Southeast Asian nations until peace is established.
In a social media post, Trump mentioned a productive conversation he had with the Cambodian Prime Minister, emphasizing his concerns about Thailand and its current leadership. He noted that both nations are eager for an immediate halt to hostilities and the restoration of trade relations with the United States.
Trump remarked on the importance of expediting the ceasefire process, highlighting the rich history and culture shared by both countries. “It was an honor to engage with them,” he added.
The ongoing border tensions have resulted in significant casualties, with reports indicating at least 33 fatalities and the displacement of around 168,000 people. The conflict flared after a border mine incident injured five Thai soldiers, leading to mutual accusations of aggression. As a result, Thailand has closed its border with Cambodia, and both nations have recalled their ambassadors.
On Saturday alone, Cambodian officials reported 12 additional deaths, while Thai sources confirmed losses among their military personnel.
In response to the deteriorating situation, the UN Security Council has called for a cessation of hostilities. Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangin Ponsa conveyed that ASEAN is advocating for a peaceful resolution. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who currently chairs ASEAN, confirmed that both Thailand and Cambodia are open to ceasefire discussions.
While Ponsa affirmed Thailand’s commitment to resolving the situation peacefully through international law, he urged Cambodia to engage in meaningful negotiations. However, Cambodia’s Defense Ministry criticized Thailand for what it termed a “planned assault,” following recent artillery strikes into Cambodian territory.
Concerns continue to mount about the humanitarian impact of the conflict, with advocacy groups highlighting that both nations seem to be ignoring international humanitarian laws, leading to serious consequences for civilians.
