Thailand and Cambodia Signal Willingness for Ceasefire Talks Amid Ongoing Border Clashes

Thailand and Cambodia indicated on Sunday their readiness to engage in negotiations to end ongoing border hostilities, following mediation by U.S. President Donald Trump. The fighting, now in its fourth day, has resulted in at least 34 fatalities and forced more than 168,000 people from their homes.

President Trump stated on social media that he had spoken with the leaders of both countries and warned that trade agreements would be reconsidered if violence persisted. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet announced his country's agreement to an "immediate and unconditional ceasefire," adding that Trump informed him Thailand had also agreed to halt attacks. Hun Manet assigned his deputy, Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, to coordinate with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Thailand's foreign minister on implementing the ceasefire.

Thailand expressed cautious support, with Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai thanking Trump and agreeing in principle to a ceasefire, while emphasizing the need for "sincere intention" from Cambodia, according to the Thai Foreign Ministry. Phumtham called for prompt bilateral talks to discuss concrete steps toward peace.

Despite diplomatic efforts, clashes continued Sunday along the disputed border. Both sides accused each other of renewed shelling and troop movements. Thai army deputy spokesperson Col. Richa Suksowanont reported that Cambodian forces fired heavy artillery into Surin province, targeting civilian homes and the ancient Ta Muen Thom temple, and that Thai forces responded with artillery strikes. Richa noted that battlefield operations would continue until Cambodia formally initiated negotiations.

The Thai Foreign Ministry stated that a cessation of hostilities could not be achieved while Cambodia was "severely lacking in good faith and repeatedly violating the basic principles of human rights and humanitarian law." Meanwhile, Cambodian Defense Ministry spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata accused Thai forces of escalating the conflict with bombardments and ground incursions, claiming these actions undermined peace efforts.

Thailand reported a new military fatality on Sunday, bringing its total to 21 deaths, mostly civilians, while Cambodia reported 13 deaths. Over 131,000 people in Thailand and more than 37,000 in Cambodia have been displaced, with many border villages deserted and essential services closed.

The United Nations Security Council has called on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to mediate, and Human Rights Watch has condemned the reported use of cluster munitions in populated areas, urging both governments to protect civilians. The border dispute, which has simmered for decades, escalated in May after a fatal incident involving a Cambodian soldier.