WASHINGTON: United States President Donald Trump said on Saturday he had spoken with the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand in a bid to end the escalating border conflict between the two Southeast Asian nations that has left at least 33 people dead.
Posting on his Truth Social platform during a visit to Scotland, Trump said both sides expressed a desire for an immediate ceasefire and peace.
“Just spoke to the Prime Minister of Cambodia relative to stopping the War with Thailand,” Trump said in a post on his Truth Social.
“I have just spoken to the Acting Prime Minister of Thailand, and it was a very good conversation,” he said soon after in a new post.
“Thailand, like Cambodia, wants to have an immediate Ceasefire, and PEACE,” he added.
“I am now going to relay that message back to the Prime Minister of Cambodia. After speaking to both Parties, Ceasefire, Peace, and Prosperity seems to be a natural. We will soon see!”
Tensions flared over ancient temple sites before fighting spread along the countries’ rural border region, marked by a ridge of hills surrounded by wild jungle and agricultural land where locals farm rubber and rice.
Clashes, now in their third day, broke out Saturday in the countries’ coastal regions where they meet on the Gulf of Thailand, around 250 kilometres (160 miles) southwest of the main frontlines.
“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, which was brought to a successful halt,” Trump said.
Trump also indicated he would not move forward on trade deals with either nation until fighting has stopped.
Like most countries, the Southeast Asian neighbours are facing steep import tariffs from Washington if they do not secure a trade agreement with the Trump administration by August 1.
Clashes spread along border
Thailand and Cambodia exchanged heavy artillery fire for a third straight day Saturday, as the border conflict, that displaced more than 150,000 from their homes, spread across the frontier.
Clashes broke out for the first time in the countries’ coastal regions where they meet on the Gulf of Thailand.
Both sides say they are open to a truce, after a border dispute erupted into combat with jets, tanks and ground troops this week, but each has accused the other of undermining armistice efforts.
Tensions initially flared over ancient temple sites before fighting spread along the rural border region.
Cambodia’s defence ministry said 13 people have been confirmed killed in the fighting since Thursday, including eight civilians and five soldiers, with 71 people wounded.
Thai authorities say 13 civilians and seven soldiers have died on their side, taking the toll across both nations higher than it was in the last major round of fighting between 2008 and 2011.
Both sides reported a coastline clash early Saturday, with Cambodia accusing Thai forces of firing “five heavy artillery shells” into Pursat province, bordering Thailand’s Trat province.
The conflict has also forced more than 138,000 people to be evacuated from Thailand’s border regions, and more than 35,000 driven from their homes in Cambodia.
After an urgent United Nations Security Council meeting Friday in New York, Cambodia’s UN ambassador Chhea Keo said his country wanted a ceasefire.
“Cambodia asked for an immediate ceasefire — unconditionally — and we also call for the peaceful solution of the dispute,” he told reporters.
Scramble for dialogue
Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said Saturday that for any ceasefire or talks to proceed, Cambodia needed to show “genuine sincerity in ending the conflict”.
“I urge Cambodia to stop violating Thai sovereignty and to return to resolving the issue through bilateral dialogue,” Maris told reporters.
Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura said Friday, before the UN meeting was held, that Bangkok was open to talks, possibly aided by Malaysia.
Malaysia currently chairs the ASEAN regional bloc, of which Thailand and Cambodia are members.
Both sides have blamed the other for firing first.
Additionally, Cambodia has accused Thai forces of using cluster munitions, while Thailand has accused Cambodia of targeting civilian infrastructure.
