Washington (Rajeev Sharma): In a dramatic diplomatic development, U.S. President Donald Trump has once again drawn parallels with the India-Pakistan conflict while claiming credit for brokering a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, where border clashes have intensified in recent weeks, displacing tens of thousands.
Late Saturday, Thailand announced it had agreed “in principle” to a ceasefire and expressed readiness to enter into bilateral talks with Cambodia. This comes after what is being described as the most severe escalation between the two Southeast Asian nations in over a decade.
On Sunday, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet welcomed Trump’s intervention, stating that Cambodia is open to discussions aimed at halting the border hostilities. Hun Manet said Cambodia’s Foreign Minister would coordinate with the U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to facilitate dialogue with Thai officials. However, he also warned Thailand against backtracking on any commitments, according to reports from AFP.
The fighting has triggered a large-scale humanitarian situation. Cambodia’s Information Minister Neth Pheaktra revealed that nearly 37,635 people, from over 10,800 families, have been evacuated from three provinces along the border. On the Thai side, authorities reported that more than 131,000 residents have fled their homes due to escalating violence.
Thailand’s Foreign Ministry, in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), confirmed that Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai held a conversation with President Trump. During the call, Trump urged both sides to immediately halt hostilities and move toward peace. In response, Phumtham expressed Thailand’s conditional agreement to a ceasefire, while stressing the need for genuine commitment from Cambodia and proposing bilateral dialogue to work out the details.
President Trump, known for his unpredictable diplomatic style, took to Truth Social shortly after the discussions, posting a series of updates that revealed his personal involvement in mediating the situation.
“Just spoke to the Prime Minister of Cambodia relative to stopping the War with Thailand. I am calling the Acting Prime Minister of Thailand, right now, to likewise request a Ceasefire, and END to the War, which is currently raging,” he wrote.
Highlighting the ongoing trade negotiations between the U.S. and both Southeast Asian nations, Trump stated, “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!”
In a follow-up post, Trump referenced his past involvement in subcontinental diplomacy:
“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.”
The Thailand Foreign Ministry later reiterated that while it welcomes U.S. involvement, it expects Cambodia to display clear and honest intentions before a formal ceasefire is agreed upon. The ministry noted that Phumtham urged Trump to convey Thailand’s willingness for immediate bilateral dialogue aimed at establishing long-term peace measures.
The current developments indicate a potential turning point in the border conflict, and Trump’s intervention—though unconventional—is being credited with temporarily easing tensions between the two nations. However, the situation remains volatile, and the effectiveness of these diplomatic overtures will hinge on whether both sides follow through with their commitments in the coming days.
