Thailand, Cambodia Agree to Ceasefire After Trump’s Intervention

Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to halt cross-border fighting that has left at least 20 people dead this week, after separate calls with US President Donald Trump.

The clashes, rooted in a decades-old dispute over the colonial-era demarcation of their 800-kilometre frontier, have forced around half a million people on both sides to flee their homes. Both governments had accused each other of reigniting the conflict.

Trump said on his Truth Social platform that he held “a very good conversation” with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. He said the two leaders agreed to stop all shooting from Friday evening and return to the July peace accord, which was negotiated with support from Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

“Both countries are ready for peace and continued trade with the United States,” Trump said, thanking Anwar for his role in facilitating the agreement.

Anutin, speaking after his call with Trump, insisted that Cambodia would comply with the ceasefire. He added that “the one who violated the agreement needs to fix the situation” and described the discussion as productive.

Read More: Pakistan, Iraq Move to Enhance Pilgrim Facilitation and Security Cooperation

The United States, China and Malaysia — then chair of ASEAN — had helped broker the ceasefire in July following a five-day outbreak of violence. Trump later endorsed a joint declaration between Thailand and Cambodia in October, highlighting potential trade deals as the two countries extended their truce.

However, Thailand suspended the agreement in November after Thai soldiers were injured by landmines near the border.

On the ground, evacuees expressed mixed views. In Thailand’s Buriram province, farmer Jirasan Kongchan said peace should be achieved through direct talks between the neighbours rather than foreign mediation. He said ASEAN could step in with sanctions if Cambodia violated the pact again.

In Cambodia’s Banteay Meanchey province, evacuee Choeun Samnang welcomed Trump’s intervention, saying he hoped both nations would avoid further conflict.

At the White House, Trump said he was confident he could get the peace effort “back on track,” indicating he may make additional calls if needed. Anutin said there were “no signs” that Trump intended to link trade negotiations to the border dispute, but added that the US president had assured Thailand of favourable treatment.