TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Thailand and Cambodia have expressed openness to discuss a ceasefire following the call by the United States (US) President Donald Trump, who intervened in the armed conflict at the border of the two countries. The ongoing battle since last Thursday has claimed the lives of at least 32 people from both sides.
As reported by TRT Global, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday, July 27, 2025, stated that Acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai had a direct conversation with President Trump. In the conversation, Trump requested both countries to promptly agree on a ceasefire. "Thailand agrees in principle to a ceasefire, but we want to see sincere intentions from Cambodia," said Phumtham.
Phumtham also conveyed that Thailand is pushing for immediate bilateral dialogue and asked Trump to convey this message to Cambodia. "Thailand wants to promptly hold bilateral dialogue to devise a mechanism for ending the conflict and achieving peace," he said.
Cambodia Welcomes Proposal, but Reminds Thailand
In response, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet welcomed the ceasefire initiative. According to Anadolu, Hun Manet stated that the Cambodian Foreign Minister will speak with the US Foreign Minister, Marco Rubio, to coordinate further steps with Thailand. However, he cautioned Thailand not to renege on any possible agreements.
Trump himself mentioned that his conversations with both leaders went well. In a post on Truth Social, he wrote, "Both Parties are looking for an immediate Ceasefire and Peace ... They have agreed to immediately meet and quickly work out a Ceasefire and, ultimately, PEACE."
Trump: Peace Takes Precedence Over Trade
Trump stated that this initiative is also related to trade discussions between the US and both countries. However, he emphasized that trade agreements will not proceed while the armed conflict persists. "We happen to be, by coincidence, currently dealing on Trade with both Countries, but do not want to make any Deal, with either Country, if they are fighting — And I have told them so!" said Trump.
He also mentioned that this situation reminded him of the conflict between Pakistan and India, which he believes was successfully halted. "Many people are being killed in this War, but it very much reminds me of the Conflict between Pakistan and India, which was brought to a successful halt," he wrote.
UN Calls for Violence to Cease
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern about the conflict. "The Secretary-General condemns the tragic and needless loss of life, including the damage to homes and infrastructure on both sides," said his deputy spokesperson, Farhan Haq, as quoted from Al Jazeera. Guterres urged both countries to promptly agree to a ceasefire and seek a sustainable peaceful solution.
Although each party has expressed openness to a ceasefire, they continue to blame each other for the failure to stop the conflict. The recent clashes occurred in the disputed border area of Pursat Province and mark the worst escalation since the 2008-2011 conflict period. If not promptly addressed, the Southeast Asia region is at risk of being dragged into prolonged conflict.
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