Trump announces call to stop Thailand–Cambodia fighting
US President Donald Trump (photo: Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump said he will hold a phone call with the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia. He wants both countries to stop the fighting, now in its third day, and return to the terms of the peace agreement signed in Malaysia, Reuters reported.
During a speech in Pennsylvania on December 9, Trump said he had allegedly already stopped several wars before turning to the conflict in Southeast Asia. It was then that he said he would "have to make a phone call.''
"I hate to say this one, named Cambodia-Thailand, and it started up today, and tomorrow I am going to have to make a phone call. Who else could say I'm going to make a phone call and stop a war of two very powerful countries, Thailand and Cambodia,'' he said.
Not so simple
For now, it remains unclear what will come of Trump's initiative. In July, he leveraged trade talks to push both countries toward peace. But the situation is somewhat different now.
Thailand's Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said he sees no potential for negotiations in this border conflict, stating that third-party mediation is not under consideration and that tariff threats should not be used to pressure his country.
Moreover, Thailand's statements make it clear that its strikes aim to weaken Cambodia's ability to carry out attacks. A Thai army general said the strikes should "render Cambodia militarily ineffective for a long time.''
Unlike Thailand, Cambodia is leaning toward a peaceful resolution — the chief adviser to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said the country is "ready to talk at any time.'' Cambodia's Ministry of Defense said it had no choice but to take defensive measures.
Cambodia has also accused Thailand of "inhumane and brutal acts," which reportedly left nine people dead and 20 injured. Thailand denies this.
Conflict in Southeast Asia
The standoff between Cambodia and Thailand began with mutual accusations of violating a ceasefire. The exchange of statements quickly escalated into artillery and air strikes.
Military clashes on the Thailand–Cambodia border began on July 24 in Thailand's Sisaket province and Cambodia's Preah Vihear province. At that time, US President Donald Trump managed to reconcile the two countries.
In August, they agreed to a ceasefire, and on October 26, a peace agreement was signed, with the US leader in attendance. But on November 10, Thailand announced it was suspending its participation in Trump's peace agreement.
