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Wednesday, Dec 10, 2025
Outside the box.
Trump Announces He Will Phone Leaders in Bid to End Renewed Thailand–Cambodia Border War
US President pledges renewed diplomacy as clashes resume along disputed frontier, triggering fresh casualties and mass displacement
Fighting between Thailand and Cambodia has entered its third consecutive day, prompting U.S. President Donald J. Trump to announce he will directly phone the governments of both nations in an effort to broker a halt to the renewed hostilities.
The conflict reignited after Thailand suspended de-escalation measures tied to a ceasefire once brokered by Washington.
The July truce had followed a five-day war that left dozens dead and displaced hundreds of thousands.
Under the renewed violence, Cambodia’s government reports civilian casualties — while Thai officials cite military losses, including several soldiers killed or wounded.
In recent hours, artillery exchanges and border strikes have spread across much of the contested 817-kilometre frontier, forcing large numbers of men, women and children to flee their homes.
The outbreak of fighting was triggered, according to Thai authorities, when a Thai soldier was severely wounded by a landmine allegedly newly laid by Cambodian forces — an allegation Phnom Penh denies.
In response, Bangkok suspended the implementation of the peace accord signed in October during a summit attended by President Trump and vowed to defend its sovereignty.
Cambodia’s leadership, for its part, has reiterated its readiness to return to bilateral talks — provided there is mutual goodwill and no external pressure preconditions.
Addressing supporters at a rally in Pennsylvania, President Trump reiterated his record as a global peacemaker and affirmed that he would again use U.S. diplomatic leverage — including direct calls — to encourage both sides to cease hostilities and return to negotiations.
However, the government in Bangkok has expressed scepticism toward third-party mediation.
Thailand’s foreign minister recently stated the current environment is not conducive to external intervention, emphasising instead that Cambodia must first de-escalate.
Meanwhile, Cambodia insists that it remains open to immediate dialogue, but only if Thailand abandons aggression and honours prior commitments.
As displacement rises and heavy weapons continue to be deployed near civilian areas, international concern is growing over the humanitarian toll of the conflict.
In the coming hours, all eyes will be on whether President Trump’s outreach can succeed in pressuring both capitals toward a ceasefire — or whether the border war will escalate further, with unpredictable regional consequences.
The conflict reignited after Thailand suspended de-escalation measures tied to a ceasefire once brokered by Washington.
The July truce had followed a five-day war that left dozens dead and displaced hundreds of thousands.
Under the renewed violence, Cambodia’s government reports civilian casualties — while Thai officials cite military losses, including several soldiers killed or wounded.
In recent hours, artillery exchanges and border strikes have spread across much of the contested 817-kilometre frontier, forcing large numbers of men, women and children to flee their homes.
The outbreak of fighting was triggered, according to Thai authorities, when a Thai soldier was severely wounded by a landmine allegedly newly laid by Cambodian forces — an allegation Phnom Penh denies.
In response, Bangkok suspended the implementation of the peace accord signed in October during a summit attended by President Trump and vowed to defend its sovereignty.
Cambodia’s leadership, for its part, has reiterated its readiness to return to bilateral talks — provided there is mutual goodwill and no external pressure preconditions.
Addressing supporters at a rally in Pennsylvania, President Trump reiterated his record as a global peacemaker and affirmed that he would again use U.S. diplomatic leverage — including direct calls — to encourage both sides to cease hostilities and return to negotiations.
However, the government in Bangkok has expressed scepticism toward third-party mediation.
Thailand’s foreign minister recently stated the current environment is not conducive to external intervention, emphasising instead that Cambodia must first de-escalate.
Meanwhile, Cambodia insists that it remains open to immediate dialogue, but only if Thailand abandons aggression and honours prior commitments.
As displacement rises and heavy weapons continue to be deployed near civilian areas, international concern is growing over the humanitarian toll of the conflict.
In the coming hours, all eyes will be on whether President Trump’s outreach can succeed in pressuring both capitals toward a ceasefire — or whether the border war will escalate further, with unpredictable regional consequences.
