US President Donald Trump on Friday announced that Thailand and Cambodia, two Southeast Asian neighbours locked in a long-running territorial dispute, had agreed to halt all hostilities with immediate effect.
Trump said he had a "good conversation" with the prime ministers of both nations about their "long-running war", after which they agreed to "cease all shooting" and return to the "original peace accord". He also credited Malaysia’s prime minister, Anwar Ibrahim, for his role in the negotiations.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: "I had a very good conversation this morning with the Prime Minister of Thailand, Anutin Charnvirakul, and the Prime Minister of Cambodia, Hun Manet, concerning the very unfortunate reawakening of their long-running War. They have agreed to CEASE all shooting effective this evening, and go back to the original Peace Accord made with me, and them, with the help of the Great Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim. The roadside bomb that originally killed and wounded numerous Thai Soldiers was an accident, but Thailand nevertheless retaliated very strongly. Both Countries are ready for PEACE and continued Trade with the United States of America. It is my Honor to work with Anutin and Hun in resolving what could have evolved into a major War between two otherwise wonderful and prosperous Countries! I would also like to thank the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, for his assistance in this very important matter."
The announcement comes amid escalating violence along the disputed 800-kilometre border, where both Thailand and Cambodia claim ownership of several historic temples. The colonial-era demarcation has fueled periodic clashes for years.
Fighting surged again on Thursday, with explosions reported near centuries-old temple complexes ahead of Trump’s phone calls with both leaders. At least 20 people have been killed since the latest round of border violence erupted last week, officials said.
Around 600,000 people, mostly in Thailand, have fled areas near the frontier, where jets, tanks and drones have been used in combat. The ongoing confrontation is the deadliest since five days of fighting in July left dozens dead before a fragile truce was reached following intervention by Trump.
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