Over 30 people have died in recent escalating cross-border conflict.
Following a warning from US President Donald Trump, Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to discuss a ceasefire. Trump threatened to halt trade agreements with both nations if the fighting continued, despite ongoing exchanges of fire.
A long-standing territorial dispute, stemming from an ill-defined border on an early 20th-century French map, has fueled tensions between the two countries.
On Wednesday, five Thai soldiers sustained injuries from landmines in the contested zone, prompting Thailand to claim the mines were recently planted. The subsequent day saw a minor clash escalate into sustained combat, with each side blaming the other for initiating the conflict.
Since the outbreak of fighting, at least 34 people, including civilians and soldiers from both sides, have been killed, and tens of thousands have been displaced.
On Saturday, Trump stated on Truth Social that he had spoken with both countries’ leaders, urging them toward an “immediate ceasefire.”
He wrote, “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.”
He later added that the countries “have agreed to immediately meet and quickly work out a ceasefire and, ultimately, PEACE.”
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet announced on Sunday that his country had agreed to an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire,” further stating that Trump informed him Thailand had also agreed to cease attacks.
Thailand’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai spoke with Trump and accepted the ceasefire proposal “in principle.” However, they added that Thailand expected a “genuine commitment from Cambodia.”
Despite these announcements, the two countries continued to exchange fire on Sunday. Cambodia accused Thailand of launching a “large-scale incursion” using tanks and heavy shelling. Bangkok responded that a cessation of hostilities “cannot be reached while Cambodia is severely lacking in good faith” and accused Cambodian forces of violating humanitarian law.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Foreign Affairs Minister Mohamad Hasan announced that talks between the two countries would be held in Malaysia on Monday, suggesting that Kuala Lumpur should mediate the settlement process.
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