After days of violent conflict along the Thailand-Cambodia border, which has already claimed over 30 lives and displaced more than 150,000 civilians, Thailand on Saturday (July 26) said it had agreed to a ceasefire in principle and was prepared to enter “bilateral dialogue” with Cambodia.
The announcement came shortly after US President Donald Trump revealed he had personally intervened to broker peace between the two nations.
Trump Urges Ceasefire, Warns of Trade Fallout
Speaking from Scotland, Trump said via Truth Social that he had held separate phone conversations with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. He cautioned both leaders that continued hostilities could endanger future trade agreements with the United States.
“Both parties are looking for an immediate ceasefire and peace,” Trump wrote, adding, “They have agreed to immediately meet and quickly work out a ceasefire and, ultimately, PEACE!”
Acting Prime Minister Phumtham later confirmed the call, saying, “I thanked President Trump for his concern and expressed that Thailand agrees in principle to have a ceasefire in place.” However, he added that a “sincere intention” from Cambodia was necessary for any meaningful progress.
Clashes Intensify Over Longstanding Temple Dispute
The border violence, the worst in more than a decade, began Thursday following the killing of a Cambodian soldier and has since escalated with retaliatory troop build-ups along the contested 817-kilometre frontier. The heart of the conflict lies in competing territorial claims over ancient temples, especially the Preah Vihear temple, an area awarded to Cambodia by the International Court of Justice in 1962, a verdict Thailand has never fully accepted.
Despite Thailand’s willingness to negotiate, Cambodian confirmation for the proposed talks remains pending. Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned the violence and offered international support for peace efforts.
