US President Donald Trump says Thai and Cambodian leaders have agreed to renew a truce after days of deadly clashes had threatened to undo a ceasefire the US administration had helped broker earlier this year.
Trump announced the agreement to restart the ceasefire in a social media posting following calls with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet.
“They have agreed to CEASE all shooting effective this evening, and go back to the original Peace Accord made with me, and them, with the help of the Great Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim,” Trump said on Truth Social.
Trump said that Ibrahim played an important role in helping him push Thailand and Cambodia to once again agree to stop fighting.
“I am truly honored to collaborate with Anutin and Hun in defusing what might have escalated into a substantial conflict between two otherwise admirable and thriving nations!” Trump remarked.
Even after the agreement was reached, a fierce propaganda battle persisted between the two countries, accompanied by sporadic cross-border skirmishes.
Hostilities were further fueled by a 1962 decision from the International Court of Justice, which granted territorial rights to Cambodia, a verdict that continues to unsettle many in Thailand.
The roots of the Thai-Cambodian border conflict lie in a history of enmity over competing territorial claims. These claims largely stem from a 1907 map created while Cambodia was under French colonial rule, which Thailand maintains is inaccurate.
Trump has frequently boasted, with some exaggeration, about his role in resolving eight disputes, including the one between Thailand and Cambodia, since assuming office in January. He often points to these claims as testament to his diplomatic skills and has been vocal about his ambition to be awarded a Nobel Peace Prize.
Thailand has deployed jet fighters to carry out air strikes on what it says are military targets. Cambodia has deployed BM-21 rocket launchers with a range of 30-40km.
According to data collected by public broadcaster ThaiPBS, at least six of the Thai soldiers who were killed were hit by rocket shrapnel.
Trump has repeatedly made the exaggerated claim that he has helped solve eight conflicts, including the one between Thailand and Cambodia, since returning to office in January, as evidence of his negotiating prowess. And he’s not been shy about his desire to be recognised with a Nobel Peace Prize.
In an exchange with reporters on Wednesday, he expressed confidence that he could get the two sides back to a truce.
“Every once in a while,” Trump said, “one will flame up again and I have to put out that little flame”.
— Reporting by the Associated Press via the Australian Associated Press
