Donald Trump stated he believed Thailand and Cambodia were ready to resolve their conflict after informing both leaders that he would not proceed with trade agreements unless hostilities ceased.
On Monday, Thai and Cambodian officials will meet in Malaysia for discussions to end the violence, a representative from the Thai prime minister’s office confirmed on Sunday. The border conflict, now in its fourth day, has resulted in at least 35 deaths and forced over 218,000 people to flee their homes.
Trump remarked to reporters in Turnberry, Scotland: “I spoke to both leaders, and by the end of the call, I think they’re eager to find a resolution.”
A representative for Thailand’s interim leader, Phumtham Wechayachai, said the prime minister would attend Monday’s talks following an invitation from Malaysian leader Anwar Ibrahim to address regional stability efforts. Anwar is currently serving as chair of the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).
Cambodian leader Hun Manet also confirmed his attendance, stating, “I will lead Cambodia’s delegation to a special meeting in Kuala Lumpur, organized by Malaysia with support from the U.S. and involvement from China.”
China, a key ally of Cambodia, had earlier called for a peaceful resolution. Hun Manet’s statement marked the first acknowledgment of China’s connection to the upcoming talks.
Trump wrote on his social media platform that he had spoken to the leaders of both nations and implied trade agreements would be stalled unless fighting ended.
Hun Manet said Cambodia agreed to seek an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire” and noted that Trump had relayed Thailand’s commitment to halting attacks after a conversation with Phumtham.
Phumtham expressed gratitude to Trump while clarifying Thailand’s stance, agreeing in principle to a truce but emphasizing the need for Cambodia’s “genuine commitment,” according to Thailand’s foreign ministry.
A U.S. representative stated that Washington was ready to assist in further discussions to restore calm between the two nations, adding that the secretary of state had urged both sides to reduce tensions and agree to a ceasefire.
Violence erupted on Thursday after a landmine explosion injured five Thai soldiers near the border. Each side accused the other of instigating the clashes. Both countries withdrew their diplomats, and Thailand sealed border crossings, except for Cambodian workers returning home.
Despite diplomatic efforts, clashes persisted on Sunday along disputed border areas, with neither side backing down and each accusing the other of renewed attacks.
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