Thailand and Cambodia agree to ceasefire talks after Trump’s mediation, but border clashes persist

The Cambodian leader said he reiterated to Trump that Phnom Penh had already conveyed its support for a ceasefire to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who currently chairs ASEAN, on July 24. “This is positive news for the soldiers and people of both countries.”

He added that he had instructed Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn to coordinate next steps with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Thailand’s foreign minister.

Cambodians sit on a cart of a tractor as they take refuge in Oddar Meanchey province, Cambodia. (AP Photo)

Hun Manet also thanked Trump for his mediation efforts, saying, “This excellent outcome will truly help protect the lives of many soldiers and civilians… and will help hundreds of thousands of refugees return to their villages to continue their daily lives in a safe and peaceful manner.”

Trump’s role

Trump, writing on Truth Social, said he had warned both countries that trade agreements with the US would be in jeopardy if hostilities continued. “It was an Honor to deal with both countries. They have a long and storied History and Culture,” he wrote.

“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 added.

Thailand confirmed in principle its agreement to a ceasefire but urged “sincere intention” from Cambodia. “Any cessation of hostilities cannot be reached while Cambodia is severely lacking in good faith and repeatedly violating the basic principles of human rights and humanitarian law,” Thailand’s foreign ministry said in a statement cited by AP.

Acting Prime Minister Phumtham also thanked Trump for his role, but the Thai side pressed for swift bilateral talks to lay out concrete terms.

Despite diplomatic efforts, clashes continued on Sunday along contested parts of the 800-kilometre border. Both sides accused each other of fresh provocations. Thai army spokesperson Col. Richa Suksowanont said Cambodian troops launched artillery into Surin province, striking civilian areas and the disputed Ta Muen Thom temple zone. Thai forces responded with long-range shelling, he said, while stressing that battlefield operations were “a separate matter” from diplomatic mediation.

Cambodian defence officials countered that Thai troops had initiated the escalation with early morning bombardment and a “large-scale incursion” using tanks and ground units.

A resident of Samraong, the capital of Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey Province, points to where she sees an aircraft being fired at by Cambodian forces. (AP Photo)

Human cost

According to AP, at least 33 people have been killed — 20 in Thailand and 13 in Cambodia — since fighting broke out on July 24, reportedly triggered by a land mine explosion that injured five Thai soldiers. Over 168,000 people have fled their homes, including 131,000 from Thailand and 37,000 from Cambodia.

Local border towns remain largely deserted. Schools and hospitals in the hardest-hit districts have shut, and shelters are filling up with evacuees.

Human Rights Watch has condemned the reported use of cluster munitions in populated areas and called for both governments to protect civilians.

(With inputs from AP)