Trump Urges Ceasefire in Thailand-Cambodia Conflict, Likens It to India-Pakistan Tensions
US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he is engaging with the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand to broker a ceasefire amid their escalating border conflict, which has claimed at least 33 lives. In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump revealed he had spoken with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and planned to contact Thailand’s acting prime minister to push for an end to the violence. He emphasized that the US would pause ongoing trade negotiations with both nations until the fighting ceases, stating, “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 conflict, now in its third day, initially erupted over disputed ancient temple sites but has since spread to rural border areas characterized by hilly terrain, dense jungles, and agricultural lands used for rubber and rice farming. Clashes have extended to coastal regions along the Gulf of Thailand, approximately 250 kilometers southwest of the primary conflict zones. Trump compared the situation to the India-Pakistan conflict, which he claimed was “brought to a successful halt,” noting, “I am trying to simplify a complex situation! Many people are being killed in this War, but it very much reminds me of the Conflict between Pakistan and India.”
Following his conversation with Thailand’s leadership, Trump expressed optimism, stating, “Thailand, like Cambodia, wants to have an immediate Ceasefire, and PEACE.” He added that he would relay this sentiment to Cambodia’s prime minister, suggesting that “Ceasefire, Peace, and Prosperity seems to be a natural” outcome after discussions with both parties. The ongoing violence has drawn international attention, with reports highlighting the severity of the clashes and their impact on local communities.
