"No trade talks until ceasefire"...Trump pressures Thailand and Cambodia

Trump intervenes as fighting intensifies

Leaders of both countries agree to enter ceasefire negotiations

Over 30 civilians killed in four days

President Donald Trump of the United States warned Thailand and Cambodia, currently engaged in conflict, that he would suspend tariff talks unless a ceasefire is achieved. Under pressure from President Trump, both sides immediately agreed to begin ceasefire talks.

On the 26th (local time), President Trump announced via Truth Social, "Both Thailand and Cambodia want a ceasefire and peace," adding, "I had a productive call with the Prime Minister of Cambodia and conveyed the discussion to Thailand." He continued, "Both countries want to sit again at the US trade negotiation table, but it is not appropriate to proceed until the fighting ends."

Thailand and Cambodia, heavily reliant on exports to the United States, are in discussions with the US to lower tariffs. President Trump sent a letter warning that, starting next month on the 1st, a 36% tariff would be imposed on both nations. With the deadline for negotiations fast approaching and trade talks at risk of being suspended, Thailand and Cambodia promptly expressed their intent for a ceasefire.

Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "Acting Prime Minister Pomtam Wechayachai expressed his agreement in principle to a ceasefire during a call with President Trump," adding, "We want to see sincerity from Cambodia."

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet also conveyed to President Trump that he agreed to the military ceasefire proposal between the two armies. Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasized, "This is positive news for both soldiers and citizens of our countries," stressing, "We hope Thailand does not waver in its stance."

However, even after both sides expressed willingness to agree to a ceasefire, armed clashes continued. According to Reuters, Cambodia's Ministry of Defense stated that Thailand launched a ground assault in the border region on the morning of the 27th. The Thai military also announced that Cambodian forces had opened fire near civilian residences.

Both countries have been engaging in skirmishes along the border since the 24th for four consecutive days. Reported fatalities have surpassed 30, and it is estimated that 130,000 people have been displaced. Thailand and Cambodia have been disputing territorial rights over the border area for over 100 years. On the 23rd, a landmine—believed to have been planted by Cambodia—caused severe injuries to five Thai soldiers, directly triggering the recent clashes.

President Trump also compared the current situation to the dispute between Pakistan and India. He said, "This conflict reminds me of the successful resolution of the Pakistan-India dispute." The Trump administration intervened in May to call for a ceasefire during the India-Pakistan clashes. At the time, President Trump stated, "I achieved a ceasefire between the two countries by leveraging US trade."

Reporter Myung-Hyun Han wise@hankyung.com