Thailand and Cambodia Agree to Ceasefire Talks Amid Border Conflict

Donald Trump announced on Sunday that both Thailand and Cambodia have expressed a desire to settle their differences. This progress follows his direct engagement with the leaders of both nations, where he stipulated that trade deals would only be finalized if the ongoing fighting ceased.

“When all is done, and Peace is at hand, I look forward to concluding our Trading Agreements with both!” Trump wrote on social media.

Both Sides Point the Finger

The border conflict has led to significant disruptions. Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s 73rd birthday public celebrations, scheduled for Monday at Bangkok’s Grand Palace, were cancelled, as noted in the country’s Royal Gazette.

While both Thailand and Cambodia have agreed in principle to a truce, each nation has accused the other of undermining armistice efforts and initiating hostilities. The Thai foreign ministry stated that Cambodian forces fired shells into civilian homes in Surin province, asserting, “Any cessation of hostilities cannot be reached while Cambodia is severely lacking in good faith.” Conversely, Cambodia’s defense ministry accused Thai forces of “deliberate and coordinated acts of aggression.”

Casualty figures indicate that Thailand has lost eight soldiers and 14 civilians, while Cambodia has confirmed eight civilian and five military deaths. The Thai military reported returning the bodies of 12