Donald Trump, President of the US declared this Saturday that the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to negotiate a ceasefire. Three following days, the deadly border clashes continued, killing more than 30 people and over 130,000 people displaced.
In the recent visit to Scotland, Trump via social media stated that he had spoken separately with Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, warning both leaders that continued fighting would jeopardize potential US trade deals.
“Both Parties are looking for an immediate Ceasefire and Peace,” Trump wrote, detailing his efforts to mediate the conflict. He added that both nations were eager to return to the “Trading Table.”Phumtham confirmed Thailand’s readiness to pursue a ceasefire “in principle” but emphasized the need for “sincere intention” from Cambodia.
The recent violence marks the deadliest attack between the two southeast Asian neighbours in a decade. Skirmishes intensified Saturday in Trat Province, Thailand, and Cambodia’s Pursat Provinceâ opening a new front over 100 kilometers from the initial conflict zone.
Disputes have long centred on ownership of ancient temples, especially the UNESCO-listed Preah Vihear, awarded to Cambodia in a 1962 International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling a decision Thailand has never fully accepted.
