SURIN, Thailand (AP) - Thailand and Cambodia indicated their willingness to negotiate a resolution to a deadly border dispute, following mediation efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump. The conflict, which has now persisted for four days, has resulted in at least 33 fatalities and displaced over 168,000 individuals.
On Saturday, Trump announced on Truth Social that he had spoken with the leaders of both Thailand and Cambodia, warning that he would withhold trade agreements with either nation if the violence continued. Subsequently, he reported that both parties agreed to engage in negotiations aimed at establishing a ceasefire.
On Sunday, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet stated that Cambodia was ready to pursue an "immediate and unconditional ceasefire." He noted that Trump had informed him that Thailand had also consented to cease its military actions following discussions with Acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. "This is positive news for the soldiers and people of both countries," said Hun Manet in a statement.
Hun Manet directed his Deputy, Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, to collaborate with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the next steps and to connect directly with Thailand's foreign minister to facilitate the ceasefire. Meanwhile, Thailand showed cautious optimism regarding the proposal. Phumtham expressed gratitude to Trump and indicated that Thailand was in principle supportive of a ceasefire, albeit emphasizing the need for genuine intentions from Cambodia. The Thai Foreign Ministry requested prompt bilateral discussions to outline concrete measures for a peaceful resolution.
The conflict initially ignited on Thursday, following a land mine explosion along the border that injured five Thai soldiers. Both nations accused each other of initiating the violent exchanges, resulting in both countries recalling their ambassadors and Thailand temporarily closing its border crossings with Cambodia.
Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, skirmishes continued along the contested border, with both sides accusing one another of renewed shelling and troop movements. Thai army spokesperson Col. Richa Suksowanont claimed that Cambodian forces had fired the first shots into Thai territory, including attacks on civilian homes. He added that Cambodia launched rocket strikes targeting the ancient Ta Muen Thom temple, a site claimed by both nations, in an attempt to reclaim territory held by Thai forces.
In response, Richa indicated that Thai forces retaliated using long-range artillery to target Cambodian positions. He remarked that Trump's mediation efforts represented a distinct issue and stated that military operations would persist, asserting that a ceasefire could only materialize contingent upon Cambodia formally commencing negotiations.
Meanwhile, Cambodian Defense Ministry spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata accused Thai forces of escalating the situation and employing cluster bombs, which are prohibited under international law. She claimed that Thai military operations included both targeted and indiscriminate strikes, leading to civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure.
As a result of the conflict, Thailand reported a total of 20 deaths, primarily among civilians, whereas Cambodia reported 13 fatalities. More than 131,000 individuals in Thailand have been evacuated to safer locations, with over 37,000 fleeing from three Cambodian provinces. Many border villages have become largely deserted, with numerous educational institutions and healthcare facilities shutting down.
The United Nations Security Council has urged the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to mediate peace efforts between the two countries. Human Rights Watch condemned the reported use of cluster munitions in populated areas and called on both governments to ensure civilian safety.
The 800-kilometer (500-mile) border between Thailand and Cambodia has been a subject of dispute for several decades, though previous confrontations were typically short-lived. Recent tensions escalated in May when a Cambodian soldier was killed, resulting in a diplomatic fallout that affected Thailand's domestic political landscape.
