U.S. President Donald Trump said Saturday that he had personally called the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia, urging both sides to agree to an immediate ceasefire amid intensifying clashes along the border.
While beginning a private visit to his golf courses in Scotland, Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating that both countries “have agreed to immediately meet and quickly work out a Ceasefire and, ultimately, PEACE!”
According to the U.S. president, both nations expressed appreciation for his intervention. Cambodia accepted his request for a ceasefire, while Thailand underscored the need for dialogue between the two countries before any truce can be formalised.
Despite Trump’s calls, artillery shelling along the Thai-Cambodian border continued overnight, casting doubt on the immediate impact of his diplomatic outreach.
The response from the Thai and Cambodian governments has been described as positive, but neither side has shifted its position.
Cambodia had already proposed a ceasefire prior to Trump’s involvement. Its military, facing superior Thai forces, has reportedly lost ground and equipment due to sustained artillery and air attacks.
“I made it clear to [Trump] that Cambodia agreed with the proposal for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire between the two armed forces,” Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said after the call. He added that Trump’s mediation “will truly help protect the lives of many soldiers and civilians.”
Thailand has indicated a willingness to consider a ceasefire but remains firm that meaningful negotiations must come first.
“Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai thanked President Trump for his concern and expressed that Thailand agrees in principle to have a ceasefire in place. However, Thailand would like to see sincere intention from the Cambodian side,” the Thai foreign ministry said in an official statement.
Since violence erupted on July 24, at least 33 civilians and soldiers have been killed, and thousands more displaced from the border regions of both countries.
Trade Tensions Loom Amid Violence
President Trump also stated that while he looks forward to resuming trade talks with Thailand and Cambodia, discussions will not begin until the “fighting STOPS.”
His remarks come just one week ahead of a planned U.S. tariff hike on imports from both Southeast Asian nations. Starting August 1, American businesses importing goods from Thailand or Cambodia will face a 36% duty unless a new agreement is reached.
It remains unclear how Trump became directly involved in the dispute, particularly after Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said on Friday: “I don’t think we need any mediation from a third country yet.”
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had previously offered to mediate between the two neighbouring countries.
Earlier Saturday, Cambodia had already reiterated its call for an “immediate” ceasefire and peaceful resolution to the standoff.
Following a round of golf at Trump Turnberry in South Ayrshire, the U.S. president confirmed that he had spoken directly with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham.
“When all is done, and peace is at hand, I look forward to concluding our Trading Agreements with both!” Trump wrote.
The two countries continue to trade blame over who initiated the latest fighting. Thai officials allege that Cambodia launched drone surveillance operations near the border, provoking a military response.
Cambodia, meanwhile, accuses Thai troops of breaching a prior agreement by advancing near a sacred Khmer-Hindu temple.
The border dispute traces back more than a century, to post-colonial boundary lines drawn after France’s occupation of Cambodia. Tensions have simmered for decades, erupting periodically into armed conflict.
As of Sunday, there are no confirmed plans for formal peace talks. The situation on the ground remains volatile.
