...
By Hollie Silverman
News Editor
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
In a Truth Social post on Saturday, President Donald Trump wrote that the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia want to end the ongoing conflict between their countries.
Trump says he spoke to the acting prime minister of Thailand and the prime minister of Cambodia about an "immediate ceasefire."
The call for ceasefire comes as Cambodia and Thailand entered a third day of fighting, sparked by an ongoing border dispute. The conflict has left at least 33 dead and prompted the evacuation of tens of thousands.
Read More
Cracks Emerge in G7 Over Macron’s Palestine Move6 min read
Alina Habba Defies Judges’ Ouster: ‘Broken’5 min read
Anti-Trump Protests Hit Scotland Amid Military Lockdown3 min read
Why It Matters
Trump's comments on the escalating border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia highlights the humanitarian cost of the violence and the geopolitical stakes in Southeast Asia.
The border fighting that erupted has drawn an urgent international call for a ceasefire. The situation also has impacts on ongoing U.S. trade negotiations with both countries, reflecting the broader implications for American policy in the region.
What To Know
In his Truth Social post, Trump wrote: "I have just spoken to the Acting Prime Minister of Thailand, and it was a very good conversation. Thailand, like Cambodia, wants to have an immediate Ceasefire, and PEACE. I am now going to relay that message back to the Prime Minister of Cambodia. After speaking to both Parties, Ceasefire, Peace, and Prosperity seems to be a natural. We will soon see!"
The post came just minutes after Trump said he was in contact with Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet regarding the conflict, also noting that he was trying to work out a trade with both countries.
"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!" Trump added.
Clashes in Thailand's coastal Trat Province and Cambodia's Pursat Province marked the deadliest confrontation between the neighbors in more than a decade. More than 30 people have been killed—20 reported by Thailand, mostly soldiers and civilians, and 13 reported by Cambodia.
Over 130,000 residents have fled their homes, and temporary shelters have sprung up, especially in Thailand's Sisaket Province. Both sides accused each other of initiating hostilities and cited self-defense as justification for military operations.
The dispute centers on longstanding disagreements over colonial-era borders, most notably at sites such as the Preah Vihear temple.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) awarded the temple to Cambodia in 1962 and reaffirmed Cambodia's claim in later rulings, but Thai officials have challenged these demarcations.
Tensions intensified after the killing of a Cambodian soldier in May that prompted military buildups on both sides.
The escalating tensions made the United States issue a warning to Americans about the increased risks of traveling to Cambodia and Thailand. The travel advisory was increased from level one to two, telling Americans to avoid the border between the countries due to civil unrest.
...
What People Are Saying
U.S. State Department: "Do not travel to areas within 50 km of the Thai-Cambodian border due to ongoing fighting between Thai and Cambodian military forces...There are reports of fighting, including rocket and artillery fire, between Cambodian and Thai forces along the border."
Cherdchai Chaivaivid, Thailand's ambassador to the United Nations, told a Security Council meeting: "Thailand urges Cambodia to immediately cease all hostilities and acts of aggression, and resume dialogue in good faith."
Cambodia's defense ministry said in a statement that Thailand had launched "a deliberate, unprovoked, and unlawful military attack" and that "deliberate military preparations reveal Thailand's intent to expand its aggression and further violate Cambodia's sovereignty."
Sophal Ear, associate professor at Arizona State University, told Newsweek on Friday: "This crisis represents a critical test of American and Chinese influence in Southeast Asia. For the U.S., Thailand is a key strategic partner, essential to sustaining American military and diplomatic presence in the region. For China, Cambodia is a central player in its regional ambitions under the Belt and Road Initiative, serving as a strategic foothold."
What Happens Next?
Calls for a ceasefire have yet to stop the violence, but diplomatic efforts intensified following Trump's direct engagement.
The outcomes of his conversations with Thai and Cambodian leaders—and the threat to suspend trade deals if fighting continues—could affect both economic and security ties.
Risk remains that the crisis, if unresolved, could deepen U.S.-China rivalry in Southeast Asia. Analysts have warned against framing the conflict as a straightforward proxy fight, emphasizing that sustained diplomacy, not great-power confrontation, offers the best chance for durable peace.
Update 7/26/25, 2:08 p.m. ET: This story has been updated with more information.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines