Trump Announces Truce: US-Brokered Ceasefire Halts Thailand-Cambodia Border Clashes

Former US President Donald Trump says a new ceasefire is in effect. The agreement stops fighting between Thailand and Cambodia. Trump spoke with both nations’ leaders directly to secure the deal.

The truce aims to end a week of deadly border clashes. This conflict reignited a long-standing territorial dispute. The new deal seeks to restore a previous US-brokered peace accord.

Details of the Diplomatic Breakthrough

Trump announced the breakthrough on social media. He stated shooting would cease effective Friday evening. Both countries agreed to return to the original peace deal.

That earlier pact was brokered in October with Malaysia’s help. Fighting this week derailed that initial truce. The renewed conflict caused significant casualties and displacement.

According to information from Bloomberg, Trump called it an “honor” to help. He suggested the situation could have evolved into a major war. His intervention focused on restoring calm and trade relations.

Human Cost and Conflicting Claims

The recent violence had a severe human toll. Thai authorities report ten soldiers killed. Dozens more were injured in the border fighting.

Cambodian officials gave a different account. They said ten civilians died, including an infant. At least sixty other civilians were wounded there.

Each side blamed the other for starting the escalation. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul explained his call with Trump. He asserted Thailand was retaliating, not initiating aggression.

Trump referenced a specific incident. He called a roadside bomb that killed Thai soldiers an “accident.” Yet he acknowledged Thailand’s strong military response to it.

Trade Incentives and Future Relations

The ceasefire talks included trade discussions. Washington had lowered tariffs for both nations after the October pact. Tariffs on their goods were reduced to 19%.

Anutin noted Trump promised a favorable trade deal. The former president reportedly offered to “chop off tariffs” for Thailand. This incentive was not directly linked to ceasefire pressure, according to the Thai leader.

This US-brokered ceasefire provides critical relief for a volatile region. The success of the truce now depends on both sides’ commitment to the original peace accord and sustained diplomatic engagement.

A quick knowledge drop for you:

What started the latest fighting?

Clashes erupted on Sunday along the 800-kilometer shared border. Each country accused the other of violating an October ceasefire. A deadly roadside bomb incident triggered major retaliation.

What was the original peace deal?

It was the US-brokered Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords from October. The deal involved Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. This week’s fighting broke that earlier truce.

How many people were displaced?

The conflict displaced more than half a million people. This created a major humanitarian crisis in the border region. Many fled their homes to escape the shelling and gunfire.

What role did trade play in talks?

The US had used tariff reductions as an incentive for peace. Trump discussed trade deals separately with the Thai leader. He promised favorable terms without explicitly linking them to the ceasefire.

Is the ceasefire permanent?

The current agreement is to stop shooting immediately. Its longevity depends on returning to the October peace accord. Historical tensions suggest the situation remains fragile.

What is the core dispute about?

It involves a long-running territorial conflict along the border. The area has seen sporadic violence for decades. This recent flare-up was the most serious in years.