Amid intense border clashes that have left over 30 dead and more than 130,000 displaced, US President Donald Trump on Saturday announced that Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to hold immediate ceasefire talks. The breakthrough comes after three consecutive days of violence along the disputed 817-kilometre border between the two Southeast Asian neighbours.
Speaking from Scotland, Trump said on Truth Social that he had spoken separately with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. He warned both that continued hostilities would threaten potential US trade deals and emphasized the need for urgent de-escalation.
“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.
While neither the White House nor the embassies of Thailand and Cambodia have officially confirmed the date or location of the talks, diplomatic activity behind the scenes appears to be intensifying.
Clashes Intensify Over Temple Disputes; India Issues Advisory
The recent fighting represents the worst outbreak of violence between the two countries in more than a decade, with the situation escalating significantly in Trat Province (Thailand) and Pursat Province (Cambodia)—far from the original flashpoint.
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The tension traces back to a long-standing dispute over ancient temples, particularly the Preah Vihear temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site awarded to Cambodia in a 1962 International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling. Thailand has never fully accepted the decision, fueling periodic flare-ups.
As of Saturday:
Thailand reported 20 deaths (including seven soldiers and 13 civilians).
Cambodia reported 13 deaths (five soldiers and eight civilians).
Cambodia’s defence ministry accused Thailand of “unlawful aggression”, while Thailand alleged that Cambodia had used landmines and launched cross-border attacks.
Thailand reiterated its preference for bilateral resolution, with acting PM Phumtham stating via Facebook that talks must be approached with “sincere intention.” He urged Trump to convey Thailand’s openness to dialogue aimed at long-term peace.
Meanwhile, the Indian embassy in Cambodia issued a travel advisory, urging Indian nationals to avoid visiting border regions due to the escalating situation. Cambodian officials are reportedly seeking fresh ICJ intervention, though Thailand has rejected the court’s jurisdiction.
On Friday, Thai representatives raised the issue of Cambodian “aggression” at a United Nations Security Council session, pushing for broader international attention.
