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New Delhi: US President Donald Trump on Saturday appealed to both Cambodia and Thailand to halt their ongoing deadly border conflict, warning that the United States would suspend trade negotiations with them unless a ceasefire was declared. Drawing a comparison to a past South Asian crisis, Trump claimed the situation reminded him of the India-Pakistan conflict, which he said was “brought to a successful halt.”
“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,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
He added, “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! The call with Thailand is being made momentarily. The call with Cambodia has ended, but expect to call back regarding War stoppage and Ceasefire based on what Thailand has to say. I am trying to simplify a complex situation!”
He reiterated the humanitarian cost of the violence, stating, “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.”
Shortly after, Trump said he spoke to the acting prime minister of Thailand. “I have just spoken to the Acting Prime Minister of Thailand, and it was a very good conversation. Thailand, like Cambodia, wants to have an immediate Ceasefire, and PEACE. 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!”
In a follow-up post, Trump informed that both nations appeared willing to pursue peace but reaffirmed that trade talks would be off the table until the conflict ended. “I just had a very good call with the Prime Minister of Cambodia, and informed him of my discussions with Thailand, and its Acting Prime Minister. Both Parties are looking for an immediate Ceasefire and Peace. 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. They have agreed to immediately meet and quickly work out a Ceasefire and, ultimately, PEACE! It was an Honor to deal with both Countries. They have a long and storied History and Culture. They will hopefully get along for many years to come. When all is done, and Peace is at hand, I look forward to concluding our Trading Agreements with both!” he wrote.
The conflict, which erupted on Thursday, has entered its third day with heavy fighting involving jets, tanks, artillery, and ground troops. Cambodia has reported 13 deaths, including eight civilians, while Thailand has confirmed 20 deaths, including 14 civilians. Over 138,000 people have been evacuated from Thai border areas, and more than 35,000 displaced in Cambodia. The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss the escalating violence.
