Trump says Thailand, Cambodia seek ceasefire talks – DW – 07/26/2025
US President Donald Trump on Saturday said both Cambodia and Thailand want an immediate ceasefire, as deadly fighting between the two neighbors entered a third day.
In an attempt to end the conflict, Trump said he had spoken to Cambodian leader Hun Manet and Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai.
"After speaking to both Parties, Ceasefire, Peace, and Prosperity seems to be a natural. We will soon see!" Trump posted on social media during a visit to Scotland.
Trump did not provide any information on the ceasefire talks he said Thailand and Cambodia had agreed to hold.
He also warned that he would not move forward on trade deals with either country if they are still fighting.
"When all is done, and Peace is at hand, I look forward to concluding our Trading Agreements with both!" Trump said.
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Officials from Thailand and Cambodia did not immediately confirm any plan to meet.
Earlier on Saturday, Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said that his country has agreed in principle to ASEAN's ceasefire proposal but insisted that "Cambodia must first cease the hostilities and show sincerity."
"I urge Cambodia to stop violating Thai sovereignty and to return to resolving the issue through bilateral dialogue," Maris said at a press conference in Bangkok.
His comments followed an urgent United Nations Security Council meeting Friday in New York.
After the meeting, Cambodia's UN ambassador Chhea Keo said his country "asked for an immediate ceasefire — unconditionally — and we also call for the peaceful solution of the dispute."
The fighting flared Thursday, with both countries blaming the other for firing first.
At least 33 people have been killed and more than 130,000 people displaced in the worst fighting between the Southeast Asian neighbors in 13 years.
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For decades, the two Southeast Asian neighbors have bickered over the jurisdiction of various undemarcated points along their over 800 kilometers (500 miles) of land border.
Central to the disputes is the ownership of the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple or Khao Phra Viharn in Thailand.
The International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 that Preah Vihear belonged to Cambodia. Thailand never recognized the court's jurisdiction and prefers a bilateral approach.
Tension escalated in 2008 after Cambodia attempted to list it as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
In 2011, Cambodia went back to the court, following several clashes between its army and Thai forces. The court again ruled in Cambodia's favor in 2013.
This year, tensions rose again after Thai and Cambodian troops clashed briefly, killing a Cambodian soldier in late May.
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