A Cambodian government official has praised U.S. President Donald Trump for his role in “bringing about peace” after Thailand and Cambodia agreed to a ceasefire starting Monday at midnight local time. The two countries vowed to lay down their arms following the deadliest clashes in over a decade, which left at least 36 people dead and forced hundreds of thousands of civilians to flee disputed border regions between the neighboring Southeast Asian nations.
The ceasefire followed mounting pressure from Trump, who warned that he would pause trade tariff negotiations with both countries if fighting continued. Initially resistant to third-party mediation, Thailand shifted its stance after the tariff threat. Cambodia’s National Assembly Director General, Lim Menghour, confirmed that the Cambodian prime minister accepted Trump’s offer of mediation immediately. Menghour described the ceasefire talks in Malaysia as a positive development, signaling hope for de-escalation and restoration of peace.
Despite the ceasefire, skepticism remains over its durability, as the dispute centers on a century-old border conflict. Cambodia has emphasized it will not compromise its sovereignty or territorial integrity. The recent escalation began with accusations of firing near the Ta Moan Thom temple, followed by airstrikes and shelling on military and civilian targets. Both countries closed border checkpoints and heightened military readiness.
This latest conflict has deep roots in longstanding territorial disputes, fueled by lingering landmines from Cambodia’s civil war and rising nationalist sentiments on both sides. The border violence also triggered a diplomatic crisis, with Thailand and Cambodia recalling ambassadors and downgrading diplomatic relations. Tensions have been rising since a series of incidents earlier this year, including landmine explosions that injured Thai soldiers and accusations of border violations.
The complex history of contested land along the 508-mile boundary between Thailand and Cambodia has led to multiple deadly skirmishes over the years, underscoring the fragile nature of peace in the region.
