Thailand and Cambodia Clash Despite Trump’s Ceasefire Push

Fighting between Thailand and Cambodia has intensified across their disputed border, continuing for a fourth consecutive day on Sunday. This escalation occurred just hours after United States President Donald Trump announced that both nations had agreed to engage in ceasefire talks. According to officials from both countries, the clashes have resulted in the deaths of at least 32 people and displaced over 200,000 individuals since hostilities broke out on Thursday.

Despite international calls for a halt to the violence, including requests from the United Nations, the United States, and China, both sides have accused each other of instigating the recent confrontations. Thailand’s government stated on Sunday that it was “not ready” to cease military operations, citing ongoing artillery fire from Cambodia targeting civilian areas in the border province of Surin.

A statement from Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that any cessation of hostilities “cannot be reached” while Cambodia is allegedly violating human rights and humanitarian laws. Reports indicate that Thai forces conducted drone strikes and artillery attacks on various locations in Cambodia, including areas near the ancient Preah Vihear temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Cambodia’s defense ministry has condemned these actions, labeling them as “deliberate and premeditated acts of aggression.” Lieutenant General Maly Socheata stated that Cambodian forces would continue to defend their territory vigorously. The tensions have escalated to a point where both countries have exchanged fire, with reports confirming that Cambodian artillery has damaged residential homes in Thailand’s Surin province.

According to Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health, the ongoing violence has resulted in the deaths of 19 individuals in Thailand, most of whom were civilians. Additionally, over 138,000 people have been displaced, seeking refuge in government shelters. On the Cambodian side, authorities reported that 13 individuals have died, including eight civilians, with 50 injured in the border province of Oddar Meanchey.

In a diplomatic effort, President Trump revealed that he had contacted both Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting prime minister Phumtham Wechayachai to facilitate a ceasefire. Trump announced on his social media platform that both leaders had agreed to meet and work towards a ceasefire and eventual peace. He highlighted that he would not pursue trade agreements with either country unless the conflict ceased, emphasizing the importance of resolving the situation.

Hun Manet responded positively to Trump’s outreach, expressing Cambodia’s agreement to an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire.” However, Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintained a cautious stance, indicating that it seeks “sincere intention from the Cambodian side” for meaningful dialogue. Phumtham has requested Trump to convey Thailand’s desire to initiate bilateral discussions aimed at establishing a ceasefire and resolving the conflict peacefully.

The ongoing territorial disputes date back to colonial times when the border was drawn by France. This renewed conflict pits Thailand, a long-time ally of the United States, against Cambodia, whose military has closer ties with China. The violence has drawn criticism from the United Nations, with Secretary General António Guterres urging both nations to agree on a ceasefire and resolve their issues through dialogue.

As the situation continues to unfold, the humanitarian impact is mounting, with thousands of civilians caught in the crossfire and the international community closely monitoring the developments in Southeast Asia.