As of Thursday, clashes between Thailand and Cambodia have persisted for four days as both nations await a promised phone call from US President Donald Trump, who is optimistic about resolving the ongoing conflict. On Wednesday, intense fighting erupted at over a dozen spots along the 817-km Thai-Cambodian border, marking the fiercest battle since a five-day conflict in July, the most violent in recent memory.
In July, Trump halted the violence with phone calls to both leaders, threatening to suspend trade negotiations if the conflict continued. He plans to speak with the leaders again on Thursday.
“I believe I can persuade them to cease hostilities,” Trump stated to reporters on Wednesday. “I am scheduled to speak with them tomorrow.”
This time, however, Thailand is more cautious about Trump’s and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s involvement, who facilitated the July agreement leading to an extended ceasefire in October. Thailand asserts that the matter should be resolved bilaterally.
Anwar mentioned that he had discussions with the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia on Tuesday, noting that although no conclusive agreement was reached, he valued “the openness and willingness of both leaders to continue negotiations to reduce tensions.”
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said he would “explain and clarify” the situation if Trump reached out.
“He needs to hear the details directly from me if he contacts me,” he told reporters. “I believe the foreign minister is already providing information at the diplomatic level.” Thailand and Cambodia have blamed each other for the recent clashes, accusing one another of targeting civilians with artillery and rocket attacks.
“Currently, no one desires conflict, especially with neighboring countries,” Anutin stated. “However, Thailand is confident that it has been invaded, necessitating the protection of the country’s independence and sovereignty.”
On Wednesday evening, Cambodia’s Interior Ministry reported that homes, schools, roads, pagodas, and ancient temples were damaged due to “Thailand’s intensified shelling and F-16 air strikes targeting villages and civilian population centers up to 30 km inside Cambodian territory.”
On Thursday, Cambodia’s defense ministry accused Thailand of committing “brutal acts of aggression” against civilian targets, including schools and temples.
Thailand refutes claims of targeting civilian infrastructure. The clashes have severely impacted civilians, with 10 casualties in Cambodia, including an infant, and 60 injuries, according to its government.
Nine Thai soldiers have died in the conflict, with over 120 wounded, reported the Thai army. Hundreds of thousands have been evacuated from the border areas in both nations.
