• Source:JND
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Thailand-Cambodia Border Clash updates: Thailand has indicated its willingness to engage in bilateral talks with Cambodia after a deadly flare-up of border fighting, as Donald Trump stepped in to broker a ceasefire between the two Southeast Asian countries. Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on Saturday confirmed that the country “agrees in principle to a ceasefire” and is open to “sincere dialogue” with Cambodia. The announcement followed direct conversations between Trump and the leaders of both countries, amid rising international concern over the deteriorating situation. "A few moments ago, I had a conversation with President Trump, who requested that Thailand and Cambodia agree to a ceasefire immediately. I thanked President Trump for his concern and expressed that Thailand agrees in principle to have a ceasefire in place. However, Thailand would like to see a sincere intention from the Cambodian side. I also requested President Trump to convey to the Cambodian side that Thailand wants to convene a bilateral dialogue as soon as possible to bring forth measures and procedures for the ceasefire and the eventual peaceful resolution of the conflict," Wechayachai stated in a Facebook post.

Trump, who is currently in Scotland, took to his platform Truth Social to announce that both Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to “immediately meet and quickly work out a ceasefire and, ultimately, peace.” "They want to get back to trade talks, and I warned both that further fighting could jeopardize future trade agreements with the U.S.," Trump said, highlighting that he acted as a mediator. No additional information was made available by the White House about the planned venue or timing for the ceasefire negotiations. Thai and Cambodian embassies in Washington did not respond to comment requests.

Will The Age-Old Crisis De-Escalate?

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has said he is gravely concerned about the conflict, which broke out last Thursday. Posting on X (ex-Twitter), Guterres appealed for an immediate ceasefire and restated the United Nations' commitment to peaceful settlement. "I appeal to both parties to agree on a ceasefire and resolve their problems through dialogue. The UN stands ready to support efforts at peace," he said. Meanwhile, ASEAN Chair and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed endorsement of a regional ceasefire plan. Though Cambodia has backed the proposal, Thailand has only agreed in principle.

The crisis started in late May after a Cambodian soldier was killed close to the long-contested Preah Vihear Temple, a World Heritage site protected by UNESCO. Tensions escalated this week and have resulted in cross-border artillery battles, fresh flashpoints, and evacuations of civilians.

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As reported by officials:
• Thailand says 7 troops and 13 civilians are killed
• Cambodia has 5 troops and 8 civilians killed
• More than 150,000 civilians displaced

Clashes on Saturday were reported in Trat Province (Thailand) and Pursat Province (Cambodia), a new conflict zone over 100 km away from previous flashpoints.

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The conflict dates to the French demarcation of the border during colonial times. The land border of 817 kilometres is still undefined in part, with central tensions surrounding the ancient Hindu temples of Preah Vihear and Ta Moan Thom. Although the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in 1962 to return Preah Vihear to Cambodia, Thailand has not completely accepted it. Cambodia also petitioned the ICJ for intervention recently, but Thailand is still insisting on bilateral resolutions. "There is no recognition of the jurisdiction of the ICJ in this case. We are more inclined towards a bilateral solution," sources at the Thai foreign ministry said. Thailand accused Cambodia at the UN Security Council on Friday of dropping new landmines and making new attacks. Cambodia described Thailand's actions as "deliberate, unprovoked, and unlawful military aggression" in response. Both countries continue blaming one another and gearing up for formal peace talks.