The U.S. president spoke to leaders of both nations on Saturday and said he would halt trade negotiations if fighting continued.
Thai and Cambodian leaders on July 27 indicated they would meet in Malaysia and enter into cease-fire negotiations to resolve a deadly border dispute after U.S. President Donald Trump intervened on Saturday.
After four days of fighting, the conflict has resulted in at least 34 deaths and the displacement of more than 168,000 people.
On Saturday, Trump wrote on Truth Social that he spoke to the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia and suggested he would halt trade negotiations with both countries if they did not stop the fighting.
“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,” Trump said. “They have agreed to immediately meet and quickly work out a Ceasefire and, ultimately, peace!”
On Sunday, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said his country will pursue an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire.” He said Trump had told him during a phone call that Thailand had also agreed to end the conflict after the U.S. president also talked to Acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai.
“This is positive news for the soldiers and people of both countries,” Hun said in a statement.
The Cambodian prime minister assigned his deputy, Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, to discuss the next steps with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio while communicating with Thailand’s foreign minister to initiate a truce.
Indicating cautious support, Phumtham thanked Trump and suggested that his nation agreed to a cease-fire in principle but emphasized the need for “sincere intention” from Cambodia, according to the Thai Foreign Ministry. The ministry added that Phumtham urged immediate bilateral negotiations to discuss what’s needed for a peaceful resolution.
On Sunday, Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan told state news agency Bernama that Phumtham and Hun are scheduled to meet in Malaysia Monday evening.
“They have full confidence in Malaysia and asked me to be a mediator,” Mohamad Hasan said. He added that officials from both Cambodia and Thailand had indicated that no other nation should get involved.
By Jacob Burg
