Bangkok is open to the United States playing a role in the Thailand-Cambodia peace talks—but Thai officials are hoping President Trump won’t play favourites just because Cambodia nominated him for a Nobel Peace Prize.
In an exclusive interview, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow revealed that if talks go smoothly, a historic joint declaration could be signed at this weekend’s 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur. The agreement would aim to remove heavy weapons and landmines along the tense border, a flashpoint that has caused death, destruction, and displacement in recent years.
Thailand welcomes “any constructive role” from the U.S., Sihasak said, but stressed that peace must be real, not just symbolic. “If President Trump would like to be a man of peace, he would have to work towards real peace, and not just a piece of document,” he told The Straits Times.
The announcement comes after Thailand and Cambodia agreed to an unconditional ceasefire in July following their worst border clash in over a decade, which left at least 43 dead and displaced some 300,000 people. Cambodia’s nomination of Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize in August was seen as a form of “flattery diplomacy” after he pressured both sides to reach a truce.
Sihasak emphasized that while the U.S. and Malaysia have supported the talks, the core negotiations remain bilateral. “Between neighbouring countries, we could resolve any issues bilaterally,” he said.
The Thai diplomat also highlighted Thailand’s broader ambitions to regain influence on the world stage after years of domestic political instability. Cambodia and Myanmar are top priorities, with Sihasak calling for a permanent ASEAN special envoy to tackle Myanmar’s ongoing crisis—a step he says is crucial despite regional “fatigue.”
Economic diplomacy is another focus. On a two-day visit to Singapore, Sihasak met with his counterpart Vivian Balakrishnan and reaffirmed close ties between the countries, from defense cooperation to digital economy collaboration. The ministers also opened the 15th Singapore-Thailand Civil Service Exchange Programme, strengthening ties between the nations’ civil services.
Looking ahead, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is expected to visit Singapore in November, continuing efforts to expand trade, green economy initiatives, and regional collaboration.
Despite his short time in office, Sihasak remains determined to make an impact. “We have to work hard so we can come back… There is a good chance we can come back if we do things right,” he said, signaling Thailand’s ambitions to return as a key regional player.
