Donald Trump stated that he believes both Thailand and Cambodia want to resolve their conflicts after he informed the leaders of both countries that he would not finalize trade agreements with them unless they ended their disputes. On Monday, the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia are scheduled to meet in Malaysia to discuss ending hostilities, according to a spokesperson for the Thai Prime Minister’s office. The deadly border dispute, which has lasted for four days, has resulted in at least 35 deaths and displaced over 218,000 individuals.
Trump mentioned to reporters in Turnberry, Scotland, that he had spoken to the prime ministers of both countries and believes they want to settle their differences now. A spokesperson for Thailand’s acting Prime Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, confirmed that the leader will attend Monday’s talks in response to an invitation from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) this year.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet also confirmed his participation in the meeting. He stated that he will lead the Cambodian delegation to a special meeting in Kuala Lumpur hosted by Malaysia, co-organized by the United States and with the participation of China. China is a close ally of Cambodia and had previously urged the nations to resolve their differences peacefully. Hun Manet’s statement indicates that this is the first mention of China’s involvement in the planned talks.
Trump posted on the Truth Social network on Saturday that he had discussed the situation with the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia and suggested that he would not move forward with trade agreements if the hostilities continued. Hun Manet stated earlier on Sunday that his country has agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. He said that Trump had informed him that Thailand had also agreed to halt attacks after the US president’s conversation with Phumtham.
Phumtham thanked Trump and stated that Thailand agreed in principle to a ceasefire, but emphasized the need for a sincere intention from Cambodia, as reported by the Thai foreign ministry. The US state department spokesperson, Tammy Bruce, mentioned that the US is prepared to facilitate future discussions to ensure peace and stability between the two countries. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had spoken to the foreign ministers of both Thailand and Cambodia, urging them to de-escalate tensions immediately and agree to a ceasefire.
The fighting began on Thursday after a landmine explosion along the border injured five Thai soldiers. Both sides blamed each other for starting the clashes and recalled their ambassadors. Thailand closed its border crossings with Cambodia, except for migrant Cambodian workers returning home.
Despite diplomatic efforts, fighting continued on Sunday along parts of the contested border, with both sides blaming each other for ongoing clashes and shelling. The Thai army deputy spokesperson, Colonel Richa Suksowanont, stated that Cambodian forces fired heavy artillery and launched rocket attacks, including targeting the ancient Ta Muen Thom temple. The Thai forces responded with long-range artillery. The situation remains tense, and it is anticipated that Cambodia may be preparing for a major military operation.
Thailand reported a new death of a soldier, bringing the total number of fatalities to 22, mostly civilians. Cambodia stated that 13 people have been killed, but it is unclear if this includes Lt. Gen. Duong Samneng, whose death in combat was announced on Sunday.
More than 139,000 people in Thailand have evacuated to safe locations, and over 79,000 people fled from three Cambodian
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/28/thailand-cambodia-border-clash-dispute-peace-talks
