US President Trump Brokers Cambodia-Thailand Border Truce

Tensions Flare as Fighting Escalates, Death Toll Rises

A critical push for peace is underway between Cambodia and Thailand, with U.S. President Donald Trump announcing leaders from both nations have agreed to an immediate ceasefire meeting. This intervention comes as three days of intense border clashes have claimed over thirty lives and displaced more than 130,000 people.

Diplomatic Push for Peace

President Trump revealed on Saturday that he had personally spoken with Cambodian Prime Minister **Hun Manet** and Thailand’s acting prime minister, **Phumtham Wechayachai**. He conveyed a strong message, warning that trade deals would be jeopardized if the conflict persisted. Both leaders reportedly signaled their willingness to de-escalate the violence.

“Both Parties are looking for an immediate Ceasefire and Peace,” **Trump** posted, providing a detailed account of his diplomatic maneuvers.

Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed Thailand’s agreement in principle to a ceasefire but stressed the need for “sincere intention from the Cambodian side.” He also conveyed Thailand’s desire for prompt bilateral dialogue to establish the terms of a ceasefire and achieve a lasting resolution.

Just spoke to the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand. They have agreed to immediately meet and quickly work out a Ceasefire and, ultimately, PEACE! When all is done, and Peace is at hand, I look forward to concluding our Trading Agreements with both!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 3, 2025

Escalating Conflict and New Flashpoints

The diplomatic efforts unfolded as fighting continued into its third day, with new areas of conflict emerging. Clashes were reported early Saturday in the Thai coastal province of Trat and Cambodia’s Pursat Province, a significant distance from previously contested zones along the shared border.

The current bout of violence, the most severe in 13 years, began after the death of a Cambodian soldier in a brief skirmish in late May. Both nations have since reinforced their border positions amidst a growing diplomatic crisis.

As of Saturday, official figures indicated significant casualties. Thailand reported seven soldiers and 13 civilians killed, while Cambodia stated five soldiers and eight civilians had lost their lives.

Regional Calls for De-escalation

In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian Prime Minister **Anwar Ibrahim**, in his capacity as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), affirmed his commitment to a ceasefire proposal. He noted that ongoing exchanges of fire necessitated continued engagement.

“There is still some exchange of fire,” stated Malaysian Prime Minister **Anwar Ibrahim**, adding, “I have asked my foreign minister to liaise with the respective foreign ministries and, if possible, I will continue engaging with them myself—at least to halt the fighting.”

—Anwar Ibrahim, ASEAN Chair

The United Nations Security Council also convened, with Thailand’s ambassador to the UN, **Cherdchai Chaivaivid**, accusing Cambodia of planting landmines on Thai territory and launching attacks. He urged Cambodia to cease hostilities and resume dialogue.

Cambodia’s defense ministry, however, countered these claims, labeling Thailand’s actions as a “deliberate, unprovoked, and unlawful military attack” and accusing Bangkok of troop mobilization intended to expand aggression.

Long-Standing Border Dispute

The roots of the conflict lie in decades of unresolved border demarcation issues and disputes over jurisdiction around ancient temples. Notably, ownership of the Ta Moan Thom and 11th-century Preah Vihear temples has been a recurring flashpoint. While the International Court of Justice awarded Preah Vihear to Cambodia in 1962, tensions resurfaced in 2008 when Cambodia sought UNESCO World Heritage status for the site, leading to intermittent skirmishes.

In June, Cambodia requested the International Court of Justice to settle ongoing border disagreements. Thailand, however, maintains that it does not recognize the court’s jurisdiction and prefers to resolve issues through bilateral discussions.