Thailand and Cambodia have reached an agreement to “cease all shooting” effective Friday, as announced by U.S. President Donald Trump following discussions with the leaders of both nations. The ceasefire comes after five days of intense fighting along their disputed 817-km (508-mile) border, which had resulted in at least 20 fatalities and over 260 injuries, displacing hundreds of thousands.
President Trump, in his message on Truth Social, conveyed that both Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed their readiness for peace and a return to the previously established Peace Accord. He described their agreement as a crucial step towards restoring stability in the region.
Despite this optimistic proclamation from Trump, the sentiment was more cautious from Anutin, who acknowledged the conversation with Trump but refrained from confirming a mutual agreement on halting the violence. Anutin emphasized Thailand’s position as a retaliator in the conflict and expressed the need for Cambodia to demonstrate its commitment by ceasing hostilities and withdrawing its troops.
The escalation of violence, which reignited this week, has been characterized by heavy artillery and rocket fire from both sides, marking one of the most severe bouts of conflict since Trump previously intervened in July to broker a ceasefire. The historical tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, further complicated by allegations of landmine deployment and territorial encroachment, have raised questions about the effectiveness of the ceasefire.
While Trump expressed confidence in his role as a peace broker, the situation remains precarious. Thai leadership has asserted their military objectives, indicating a desire to diminish Cambodia’s military capacity significantly.
There is uncertainty surrounding Trump’s potential influence on discussions about U.S. tariffs, which he had previously leveraged to negotiate peace. Thailand’s foreign minister denied that tariffs would be used as pressure in this situation, revealing a more complex geopolitical dynamic at play.
The ongoing conflict and its implications for regional stability remain a critical concern, with leaders from both nations showing divergent approaches to conflict resolution. As diplomatic discussions continue, the hope for a sustainable peace remains contingent upon the willingness of both sides to engage in meaningful dialogue and cooperation.