US President Donald Trump on Sunday announced that Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to negotiate a ceasefire, following the escalating tensions between the two countries due to the border clash, which has killed at least 30 and left over 130,000 displaced.
Trump, who is presently in Scotland, warned both Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai through a post on Truth Social, that more conflict will endanger any trade agreements with the United States.
He wrote, “Both Parties are looking for an immediate Ceasefire and Peace. They are also looking to get back to the “Trading Table” with the United States, which we think is inappropriate to do until such time as the fighting STOPS.”.
Trump claims that the two nations have agreed to negotiate a ceasefire immediately. He adds, “When all is done, and Peace is at hand, I look forward to concluding our Trading Agreements with both!”
Phumtham reaffirmed Thailand's readiness to seek a ceasefire "in principle," but he emphasised that Cambodia must have "sincere intention." He requested that Trump express Thailand's readiness to engage in bilateral talks aimed at achieving lasting peace in a Facebook post.
Trump Compares The Conflict To India-Pakistan
Trump urged both parties to end all hostilities on Saturday, saying the growing tensions between Thailand and Cambodia reminded him of the recent fighting between India and Pakistan. Later, he declared that the leaders of the two countries in Southeast Asia had decided to meet right away to discuss a ceasefire.
According to India Today, Trump said, “We happen to be, by coincidence, currently dealing on Trade with both Countries, but do not want to make any Deal, with either Country, if they are fighting — And I have told them so! The call with Thailand is being made momentarily.”
He added, “Many people are being killed in this War, but it very much reminds me of the Conflict between Pakistan and India, which was brought to a successful halt.”
Trump has multiple times claimed credit for helping de-escalate tensions between India and Pakistan earlier this year, a claim India has strongly refuted.
Trump also announced his role in trying to solve the deadly conflict between Thailand and Cambodia in what he calls a “complex situation” on Truth Social.