Thailand and Cambodia are set to engage in discussions in Malaysia on Monday, aiming to resolve a conflict that has persisted for four days.
On Sunday, Thailand announced that a delegation headed by acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai would participate, following a call from US President Donald Trump to the leaders of both nations on Saturday, urging for an immediate ceasefire.
The Thai government announced that it had received information from Malaysia indicating that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet is also set to attend.
At least 33 individuals, comprising both soldiers and civilians, have lost their lives, while thousands of Thai and Cambodian nationals have been forced to flee their homes due to escalating border clashes that began on July 24.
During a private visit to his golf courses in Scotland, Trump took to Truth Social to announce that both nations “have agreed to immediately meet and quickly work out a Ceasefire and, ultimately, PEACE!”
Both nations expressed their gratitude for his concern and efforts, despite the ongoing shelling that persisted overnight into Sunday. Cambodia has agreed to his request for a ceasefire, whereas Thailand has emphasised the importance of dialogue between the two nations.
Cambodia has proposed a ceasefire, as Thailand’s military capabilities outmatch its own. The nation has been experiencing losses in both territory and equipment due to ongoing Thai artillery bombardments and air strikes.
Manet stated following the phone call, “I made it clear to [Trump] that Cambodia agreed with the proposal for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire between the two armed forces,” further emphasising that Trump’s mediation “will truly help protect the lives of many soldiers and civilians.”
Thailand has expressed a willingness to contemplate a ceasefire; however, it maintains its prior stance that dialogue with Cambodia must precede any such agreement.
Wechayachai expressed gratitude towards President Trump for his concern, stating that Thailand agrees, in principle, to implement a ceasefire. The Thai foreign ministry issued a statement expressing that Thailand seeks genuine intentions from Cambodia.
Since the outbreak of fighting on July 24, at least 33 soldiers and civilians have lost their lives, while thousands of Thai and Cambodian nationals have been forced to flee their homes.
Without peace, there can be no discussions regarding trade.
Trump expressed his anticipation for the resumption of trade talks with Cambodia and Thailand, stating that discussions should not take place until the “fighting STOPS.”
He has stepped in just one week before the implementation of US tariffs on Cambodia and Thailand.
Starting August 1, businesses in the United States importing goods from Thailand or Cambodia will face a 36% tax, unless a resolution is achieved before that date.
The involvement of Trump in the situation remains unclear, especially considering that only a day prior, Thailand’s Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa stated, “I don’t think we need any mediation from a third country yet.”
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has extended an invitation to mediate discussions between Thailand and Cambodia.
On Saturday, Cambodia issued a call for an “immediate” ceasefire with Thailand, emphasising the need for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing dispute.
Following his tee-off at the upscale Trump Turnberry resort in South Ayrshire, the US president reported having conversations with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Phumtham.
“As we approach the conclusion of our efforts and the prospect of peace becomes a reality, I eagerly anticipate finalising our Trading Agreements with both parties!” Trump stated.
In the most recent confrontation, Thailand and Cambodia have levelled accusations against one another, claiming that the other side initiated the hostilities.
Thailand asserts that hostilities commenced following the deployment of drones by Cambodia’s military for surveillance purposes over Thai troops stationed near the border.
Cambodia has accused Thai soldiers of breaching a previous agreement by moving forward on a Khmer-Hindu temple site.
The longstanding dispute between the two countries has its roots in events that transpired over a century ago, specifically during the period when borders were established following the French occupation of Cambodia.
