Former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism regarding relations between Thailand and Cambodia, despite ongoing tensions stemming from a long-standing border dispute. Trump indicated he had been involved in mediating efforts to de-escalate the situation.
“I spoke to the prime ministers of both countries, and they are doing well. I think things between them will be alright,” Trump told reporters Friday evening. His comments come after Thailand suspended a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement, demanding an apology from Phnom Penh over accusations of new landmine placements that allegedly injured Thai soldiers. Cambodia denies these allegations.
The border dispute, simmering for years, escalated into five days of clashes in July, resulting in at least 48 deaths and the temporary displacement of approximately 300,000 people. Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reportedly played roles in brokering the initial ceasefire.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated on Saturday that Bangkok would not adhere to the agreement until Cambodia acknowledges the alleged violations and issues an apology for the recent incident. In a post on Facebook, Anutin asserted Thailand’s right to take necessary actions to protect its sovereignty and ensure the safety of its people and property from foreign threats. He added that he requested Trump and Anwar to urge Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet to abide by the agreement and refrain from interfering with demining operations.
Hun Manet, in a separate Facebook post, stated that Cambodia would continue to implement the agreement and expressed hope that both sides would continue to work together according to agreed-upon principles and mechanisms.
A White House official confirmed that Trump had also been in communication with Malaysia on Friday. Anwar Ibrahim stated on X (formerly Twitter) that Cambodia and Thailand are prepared to “continue to choose the space of dialogue and diplomatic efforts as an effective way to reach a solution.”
DZWatch will continue to monitor this developing situation.
