In a high stakes diplomatic turn, Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to hold ceasefire talks after days of deadly border clashes that claimed over a dozen lives and displaced thousands. The decision comes in response to mounting international pressure, including a strong warning from U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened trade penalties if the violence continued.
Over the past few days, tensions flared at the long disputed border between the two Southeast Asian nations, triggering armed confrontations that reportedly killed at least&nbsp;12 people, injured several more, and forced the evacuation of more than 150,000 civilians.
On Saturday, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet issued a public statement expressing gratitude to Trump and confirming Cambodia&rsquo;s support for an &ldquo;immediate and unconditional ceasefire.&rdquo; He added that he had already reached out to ASEAN leaders and Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim for support in de-escalating the situation.
Thailand's response was more cautious. A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized Thailand&rsquo;s willingness to engage in bilateral talks but sought &ldquo;sincere intentions from the Cambodian side.&rdquo; The ministry reiterated that Thailand supports peaceful resolution through diplomatic dialogue.
Trump, who posted multiple updates on X (formerly Twitter), claimed personal credit for brokering the initial step toward peace. &ldquo;They have agreed to immediately meet and quickly work out a ceasefire and, ultimately, PEACE!&rdquo; he wrote. Trump also noted that trade negotiations with the United States would remain on hold until the fighting ceased.
Citing CNN, reports suggest Trump sent formal letters to both governments warning of a 36% tariff hike on exports to the U.S. starting August 1, if violence continues.
Analysts note that this unexpected intervention by Trump has added geopolitical weight to the dispute, which traces its roots back over a century to colonial-era border demarcations made by France. These historical grievances have repeatedly sparked conflict, but the recent escalation was one of the deadliest in years.
The United Nations also weighed in. Spokesperson Farhan Haq, representing Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, called for immediate dialogue and a sustainable solution, stressing the humanitarian costs of continued hostilities.
As ceasefire talks loom, all eyes are now on how swiftly diplomacy can replace decades of distrust, and whether Trump&rsquo;s unexpected intervention will translate into a lasting peace or merely pause another cycle of border violence.

Thailand, Cambodia Agree to Ceasefire Talks

Trump’s trade threat prompts both nations to end deadly border clashes through dialogue

Thailand, Cambodia Agree to Ceasefire Talks

Trump’s trade threat prompts both nations to end deadly border clashes through dialogue

July 28, 2025 | 24:20 IST