Cambodia, Thailand agree to ceasefire talks amid border clashes

The leaders of Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to hold ceasefire talks following several days of deadly cross-border clashes, according to official statements released on July 26 by both governments and US President Donald Trump, who has taken on a mediating role.

In a series of posts on Truth Social dated July 26, Trump said he had personally spoken with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai in a bid to de-escalate the conflict, Caliber.Az reports via CNN. 

He announced that both sides had “agreed to immediately meet and quickly work out a Ceasefire and, ultimately, PEACE!”

Trump added that he had warned both leaders that continued violence would jeopardise potential trade deals with the United States.

“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,” he said.

In the early hours of July 27 local time, Hun Manet thanked Trump and expressed Cambodia’s agreement with “the proposal for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire between the two armed forces.” He noted that he had earlier appealed for peace through ASEAN and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the current ASEAN chair.

Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a more cautious statement, stressing the need for a “sincere intention from the Cambodian side.” However, it confirmed that Phumtham had asked Trump to convey Thailand’s desire to “convene a bilateral dialogue as soon as possible” to develop concrete measures for a ceasefire and peaceful resolution.

Since clashes erupted on July 24, officials on both sides have reported over a dozen deaths, dozens more wounded, and the evacuation of more than 150,000 civilians. Fighting continued into July 26, despite diplomatic efforts.

The United Nations has condemned the violence. In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Secretary-General António Guterres offered to support “any efforts towards a peaceful resolution of the dispute.”

By Sabina Mammadli