Thailand, Cambodia thank Trump for proposing ceasefire, but shelling continues at the border

Thailand and Cambodia thanked US President Donald Trump for proposing a ceasefire ; however, shelling continued between the two nations. On Sunday, Trump said that he had called the leaders of both Asian nations, pressing them for an immediate ceasefire.

While embarking on a private visit to his Scottish golf course , Trump took to TruthSocial and wrote both nations “have agreed to immediately meet and quickly work out a Ceasefire and, ultimately, PEACE!” Both countries eventually thanked him for his concern and efforts.

Cambodia even announced that it is accepting his request for a ceasefire, while Thailand stressed the need for a dialogue between the two countries. Despite all these diplomatic manoeuvrings, shelling continued along the border overnight.

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Shelling continues at the border

While the responses from the prime ministers of Thailand and Cambodia to Trump’s phone calls have been positive, neither has changed their position on the conflict. It is pertinent to note that before Trump’s call, Cambodia had already proposed a ceasefire .

Part of the reason for this move was the fact that its military is weaker than that of Thailand’s, and it has been losing ground and equipment to the Thai artillery bombardments and air strikes. “I made it clear to [Trump] that Cambodia agreed with the proposal for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire between the two armed forces,” Cambodian PM Hun Manet said after the phone call

“Trump mediation will truly help protect the lives of many soldiers and civilians,” he added. Meanwhile, Thailand said that it is willing to consider a ceasefire but remained adamant that dialogue with Cambodia must come first.

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Thailand’s acting PM Phumtham Wechayachai “thanked President Trump for his concern and expressed that Thailand agrees in principle to have a ceasefire in place. However, Thailand would like to see sincere intention from the Cambodian side,” the Thai foreign ministry said in a statement.

What makes the matter concerning is the fact that at least 33 soldiers and civilians have been killed, while thousands of Thai and Cambodian nationals have been displaced since fighting broke out on 24 July.

No room for trade talks amid conflict

While proposing a ceasefire, Trump said that he is looking forward to resuming trade talks with Cambodia and Thailand. However, he mentioned that it was not appropriate to hold discussions until the “fighting STOPS”.

Trump’s intervention came a week before US tariffs on Cambodia and Thailand were due to come into force. From August 1, businesses in the US shipping goods from Thailand or Cambodia will have to pay a whopping 36 per cent tax unless an agreement can be reached before then.

A few days before Trump intervened in the matter, Thailand’s foreign minister Maris Sangiampongsa said: “I don’t think we need any mediation from a third country yet.” Sangiampongsa’s remarks came after Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had previously offered to facilitate talks between the two nations.

“When all is done, and peace is at hand, I look forward to concluding our Trading Agreements with both!” Trump wrote before kickstarting his Scotland trip. It is pertinent to note that both Thailand and Cambodia have accused the other of firing first in this latest clash.

While Thailand claims fighting began when Cambodia’s military deployed drones to conduct surveillance of Thai troops near the border, Cambodia alleged that Thai soldiers violated a prior agreement by advancing on a Khmer-Hindu temple.

This dispute between the two nations dates back to more than a century, when the borders of the two nations were drawn after the French occupation of Cambodia.