U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he had spoken with the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia, who he said agreed to hold talks for an immediate ceasefire following recent deadly border clashes. Posting on Truth Social from his golf resort in Turnberry, Scotland, Trump stated:
“Both nations have agreed to immediately meet and quickly work out a Ceasefire and, ultimately, PEACE!”
Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed his country’s in-principle agreement, while expressing hope that Cambodia would show “sincerity” in following through. Cambodia had already publicly called for a ceasefire earlier on Saturday.
At least 33 people have been killed and thousands displaced since fighting erupted on July 24, with both sides accusing each other of initiating the violence. Disputes center on military drone surveillance and alleged troop movements near a historic Khmer-Hindu temple, reigniting a century-old border conflict rooted in colonial-era boundaries.
Trump, who has no formal diplomatic role, said trade talks with both countries would resume once hostilities end. His intervention comes just days before 36% U.S. tariffs on Cambodian and Thai imports are scheduled to begin on August 1, unless an agreement is reached. It remains unclear how Trump became directly involved, especially after Thailand’s foreign minister had dismissed the need for third-party mediation. Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had previously offered to mediate.
“When all is done, and peace is at hand, I look forward to concluding our Trading Agreements with both!” Trump added.
