Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to ceasefire negotiations following U.S. President Donald Trump’s intervention in a deadly border dispute that has claimed 33 lives and displaced over 168,000 people. The conflict, now in its fourth day, erupted after a landmine explosion injured five Thai soldiers, sparking accusations and retaliatory attacks.
Trump, leveraging his influence via Truth Social, urged both nations to halt hostilities or risk stalled trade agreements. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet announced an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire,” stating that Trump confirmed Thailand’s agreement through talks with Acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Hun Manet has tasked Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn to coordinate with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Thai officials to formalize the truce.
Thailand’s response was measured. Phumtham expressed gratitude for Trump’s mediation but emphasized Cambodia’s need for “sincere intention.” The Thai Foreign Ministry called for urgent bilateral talks to ensure lasting peace. However, skirmishes persisted Sunday, with both sides trading blame for ongoing artillery and rocket attacks.
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Thai army deputy spokesperson Col. Richa Suksowanont reported Cambodian shelling in Surin province, targeting civilian areas and the contested Ta Muen Thom temple. Thai forces retaliated with long-range artillery. Richa stressed that battlefield operations would continue until Cambodia formally negotiates, dismissing Trump’s mediation as a “separate matter.”
Cambodia’s Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata accused Thailand of escalating tensions with tank incursions and bombardments, undermining peace efforts. Thailand reported 20 deaths, mostly civilians, while Cambodia confirmed 13 fatalities. Over 131,000 Thais and 37,000 Cambodians have fled, leaving border villages deserted.
Evacuees shared their fears. Pichayut Surasit, an air-conditioning technician, rushed from Bangkok to protect his family in Surin’s Kap Choeng district, now a shelling hotspot. “I couldn’t stay away knowing my wife and daughters were in danger,” he said at a shelter housing 6,000. Bualee Chanduang, a vendor at the same shelter, prayed for peace, clutching her pet rabbit. “I hope talks
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