Thailand and Cambodia Agree to Urgent Ceasefire Talks – President Donald Trump
[Washington, July 26, 2025] — After three days of deadly border clashes, the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia have finally agreed to sit down for ceasefire talks. U.S. President Donald Trump announced the development on Saturday, stating that his intervention had paved the way for the negotiations.
Speaking during his visit to Scotland, President Trump revealed that he had spoken with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, issuing a stern warning that if the violence continued, the U.S. would suspend any trade negotiations with either country.
Trump wrote on social media:
“Both sides are working urgently toward a ceasefire and peace. They have agreed to meet soon and work toward a ceasefire and ultimately peace!”
However, Trump did not specify a date or provide further details about the negotiations.
Clashes Continue Despite Talks
Meanwhile, fighting continued on Saturday, particularly in Thailand’s Trat province and Cambodia’s Pursat province, where fresh exchanges of gunfire were reported. These areas lie nearly 100 kilometers from the main conflict zone.
The conflict, the deadliest in 13 years, has so far killed more than 30 people and displaced over 130,000. Thousands are fleeing border villages in fear of intense artillery shelling.
UN and Regional Reactions
In an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council, Thailand’s ambassador accused Cambodia of planting landmines in Thai territory, which reportedly injured soldiers. Cambodia strongly denied the allegation, instead accusing Thailand of deliberate border aggression.
In a statement, Cambodia’s Ministry of Defense said:
“Thailand has launched a provocative and illegal military attack. This is a blatant violation of our sovereignty.”
Cambodia called on the international community to condemn Thailand’s aggression, while Thailand maintained that its actions were in self-defense and affirmed its openness to dialogue.
Humanitarian Crisis
A university campus in Thailand’s Sisaket province has been converted into a temporary shelter, now housing over 5,000 people. One woman seeking refuge, Samrong Khamduang, said:
“The sound of artillery terrifies us. My husband stayed behind at the farm, and now I can’t even contact him.”
ASEAN's Role
ASEAN Chair and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is pushing forward a peace proposal. Cambodia has already backed Anwar’s plan, and Thailand is reportedly in principle agreement.
Historical Dispute
The 817-kilometer-long border between Cambodia and Thailand includes several disputed areas. Among them is the 11th-century Hindu temple of Preah Vihear, a long-standing flashpoint. Tensions escalated after the temple was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, leading to multiple border clashes between 2008 and 2011, resulting in numerous casualties.
Cambodia has once again turned to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over the issue, while Thailand says it still believes in bilateral negotiations.
