Tension on Thailand-Cambodia border: Trump calls for peace

Former US President Donald Trump has called on Thailand and Cambodia, two neighboring countries in Southeast Asia, to stop the ongoing war. He also said that after talks with the leaders of the two countries, both sides have agreed to hold peace talks.

On Sunday (July 27), the British media outlet BBC reported that Trump called for a ceasefire to end the border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. At the beginning of his private golf resort visit in Scotland, he wrote on the 'Truth Social' platform,

"Both countries have agreed to hold talks quickly to achieve a ceasefire and lasting peace."

Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechachaichai confirmed the ceasefire agreement but said, "Thailand wants to see proof of sincerity from Cambodia."

Incidentally, at least 33 people were killed and thousands of people were displaced when the border conflict began on July 24. Trump said, "The United States will not be able to continue trade negotiations with Thailand and Cambodia until the conflict ends."

Meanwhile, the United States has announced a 36 percent tariff on goods imported from Thailand and Cambodia from August 1. Earlier, Trump's statement has caused widespread discussion in diplomatic circles. However, Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiyampongsa had said a day earlier, "There is no need for a third country to mediate right now."

Earlier, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed his interest in mediating to resolve this bilateral crisis.

It is worth noting that the border dispute between the two countries has existed since the French colonial period, especially the tension between the soldiers of both countries over a Khmer-Hindu temple has been going on for a long time.

Both countries have blamed each other for the conflict—the Thai military claims that Cambodian drone surveillance sparked the tension; Cambodia, on the other hand, alleges that Thai troops violated an old agreement and advanced into the temple area.

Trump said, "When peace is established, I look forward to completing a trade agreement with both countries."

Analysts believe that Trump's move to end the conflict has added a new dimension to international politics.