Fighting between Thailand and Cambodia entered a third day on Wednesday, prompting U.S. President Donald Trump to announce plans to make a phone call in an effort to halt the conflict. Trump had previously brokered a ceasefire in July following a five-day border clash that left at least 48 people dead.
Speaking at a rally in Pennsylvania, Trump said, “I hate to say this one, named Cambodia-Thailand, and it started up today. Tomorrow I am going to have to make a phone call… Who else could say I’m going to make a phone call and stop a war of two very powerful countries, Thailand and Cambodia?”
Tensions escalated after Thailand suspended de-escalation measures agreed at an October summit, citing a landmine that injured a Thai soldier—allegedly laid by Cambodia, which denies the claim. Thailand’s foreign minister stated the situation is not conducive to third-party mediation, while a senior adviser to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said Cambodia is “ready to talk at any time.”
Both countries have evacuated hundreds of thousands of civilians. Cambodia reported nine civilian deaths and 20 serious injuries since Monday, while Thai officials said four soldiers had been killed and 68 injured. Thailand has also declared its objective to weaken Cambodia’s military capability.
The ongoing clashes highlight the fragility of the July truce and raise fears of further escalation along the century-old disputed border.
