US President Donald Trump announced that Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to halt fighting along their disputed border after a week of deadly clashes that left at least 20 people dead and forced around 500,000 people on both sides to flee their homes.
The violence stems from a long-running disagreement over an 800-kilometre (500-mile) border drawn during the colonial era, with each country blaming the other for rekindling the conflict.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump said he had spoken with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. According to Trump, both leaders agreed to an immediate end to all shooting and to return to the peace agreement arranged in July with his involvement and support from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin confirmed Cambodia would hold to the ceasefire and said that accountability should fall on the side that breaks the agreement, not the side affected by the violation.
Back in October, Trump supported a joint statement from Thailand and Cambodia to extend the truce and explore new trade opportunities.
“I want Thailand and Cambodia to talk directly and settle this clearly,” said Thai farmer Jirasan Kongchan. I don’t want our countries fighting.”
At the White House, Trump emphasized his role in settling international disputes and said he would continue keeping an eye on the situation to ensure the border conflict remains under control.
