Thai - Cambodia Conflict Trump Threatens Tariff Talks Freeze Unless Thailand-Cambodia Ceasefire Is Reached

[Georgealbert]

 

Pictures courtesy of Amarin 

 

In a diplomatic intervention late night on 26 July, U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly issued direct warnings to both Thai and Cambodian leaders, threatening to halt ongoing trade negotiations if the escalating armed conflict between the two Southeast Asian nations is not immediately brought to an end.

 

In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump declared:

 

Shortly afterwards, Trump issued a second statement, indicating he had held what he called a “very good conversation” with Thailand’s acting prime minister.

 

 

The surprise intervention comes amid heightened military tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border, with heavy exchanges of artillery fire and multiple reported casualties on both sides. International concern has been mounting, particularly after Cambodia submitted a formal complaint to the UN World Tourism Organization, alleging that Thai strikes had damaged the area surrounding the Preah Vihear temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

 

Trump’s sudden reemergence as a diplomatic actor has sparked mixed reactions online, with some observers noting his characteristically unorthodox style, while others welcomed any efforts toward de-escalation.

 

In the early hours of 27 July, Hun Manet thanked Trump and said that Cambodia agreed with “the proposal for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire between the two armed forces.” It added that he had previously called for a ceasefire to ASEAN chair and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

 

A statement from Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs was more measured, saying it wished to see “sincere intention from the Cambodian side”, but that Phumtham had also “requested President Trump to convey …that Thailand wants to convene a bilateral dialogue as soon as possible to bring forth measures and procedures for the ceasefire and the eventual peaceful resolution of the conflict.”

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-07-27

 

 

 

 

[daveAustin]

Quite clever, albeit sounds like a kid. Cambodia yapping to UN about unesco, then fires rockets indiscriminately at villages. Wind your neck in little boy lest you get properly smacked down!

[norsurin]

Good idea.Let Thailand have at least 50% tariffs if they dont agree.Thats the only way they understand because its 

about money.

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Hun Manet Agrees to Trump’s Ceasefire Proposal

 

Picture courtesy of ThaiRath 

 

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has formally accepted a ceasefire proposal from U.S. President Donald Trump and expressed hope that Thailand, which has reportedly agreed in principle, will stand by its commitment this time.

 

In an official statement posted on his verified Facebook page, Hun Manet confirmed that he had spoken directly with President Trump regarding the escalating armed clashes between Cambodian and Thai forces along their shared border.

 

“On the night of Saturday 26 July 2025, I had a telephone discussion with the Honourable President Donald Trump of the United States regarding the armed conflict along the Cambodia–Thailand border,” Hun Manet wrote.

 

During the conversation, Trump reportedly expressed deep concern over the potential human cost of further hostilities and reaffirmed his desire to mediate a swift and unconditional ceasefire between the two Southeast Asian nations.

 

“President Trump made it clear he does not wish to see war or further violence that could cause immense suffering and casualties, both military and civilian,” Hun Manet stated. “He is determined to play a constructive role, as he has done in resolving conflicts elsewhere around the world.”

 

In response, Hun Manet said Cambodia “wholeheartedly agrees” to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and has already tasked Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn with engaging directly with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to formalise the truce and lay the groundwork for lasting peace.

 

The Cambodian premier also revealed that he had previously given the same assurances to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who currently chairs ASEAN. That earlier agreement, however, was reportedly derailed when Thailand later reversed its stance.

 

“President Trump also informed me that, following his conversation with Acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, the Thai side has now also agreed to the ceasefire. This is welcome news for both our soldiers and citizens,” he wrote.

 

“But I sincerely hope that Thailand does not backtrack again, as it did after agreeing with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on 24 July.”

 

Hun Manet concluded by thanking President Trump for his initiative and mediation, calling the breakthrough a critical step towards protecting lives and restoring normalcy.

 

“This outstanding outcome will help save the lives of many soldiers and civilians and allow hundreds of thousands of displaced people to return safely to their villages,” he said. “We are truly grateful to President Trump for his decisive role in this urgent humanitarian matter.”

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from ThaiRath 2025-07-27

 

 

 

 

[geisha]

7 minutes ago, daveAustin said:

Quite clever, albeit sounds like a kid. Cambodia yapping to UN about unesco, then fires rockets indiscriminately at villages. Wind your neck in little boy lest you get properly smacked down!

Nothing sincere about Hun Sen and Son.!

[Jone500]

Trump’s busy bringing up old drama again, but I’m just sitting here wondering when the Brits in Isaan will start demanding UK intervention over the Thailand-Cambodia thing. Call the embassy 'this is outrageous!' I can’t wait anymore!

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Phumtham Backs Trump’s Ceasefire Proposal, Urges Genuine Cambodian Commitment & Bilateral Talks

 

Picture courtesy of ThaiRath.

 

Acting Prime Minister and Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has confirmed that Thailand supports a ceasefire with Cambodia, following a direct telephone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump. However, he stressed that Cambodia must demonstrate genuine intent for peace and commit to bilateral discussions to establish a clear framework for a lasting resolution.

 

Writing on his official Facebook page Phumtham revealed that President Trump had personally urged both Thailand and Cambodia to agree to an immediate ceasefire.

 

“A few moments ago, I had a conversation with President Trump who requested that Thailand and Cambodia agree to a ceasefire immediately. I thanked President Trump for his concern and expressed that Thailand agrees in principle to have a ceasefire in place. However, Thailand would like to see sincere intention from the Cambodian side.”

 

Phumtham went on to say that Thailand had asked the United States to convey to Phnom Penh the need for urgent bilateral dialogue, with the aim of creating a structured process and tangible measures for a truce.

 

In a separate statement on X, Phumtham elaborated on the context of the call, noting that Cambodia had earlier requested U.S. mediation following prior discussions with China and the current ASEAN chair.

 

“Everyone wants peace and a ceasefire,” he posted. “I agree in principle, as we always have. But I insist on bilateral dialogue. Cambodia must show seriousness and sincerity to build confidence.”

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from ThaiRath 2025-07-27

 

 

 

 

[ikke1959]

Cambodia wants to have a ceasefire, Malaysia want to mediate, but Thailand is the one who keeps the boat off, but now Trump said he stop the negotiations, Thailand is willing to do something under Thai conditions.. It think it shows enough who or what is behind this aggression.. Someone who wants to  safe face, and shows his power

[ezflip]

If you agree to a ceasefire, then why am I woken up at 4:30 am with the sound of artillery firing near my house?

[dinsdale]

7 minutes ago, ezflip said:

If you agree to a ceasefire, then why am I woken up at 4:30 am with the sound of artillery firing near my house?

Agreeing to a ceasefire and a ceasefire are two different things.

[sammieuk1]

Probably all compounded by WTF is PM right now 🤔

[MikeandDow]

Money always works 

[AhFarangJa]

21 minutes ago, ezflip said:

If you agree to a ceasefire, then why am I woken up at 4:30 am with the sound of artillery firing near my house?

Six o clock on the dot this morning, at least twenty rounds of artillery fired in one barrage. From whom I do not know, but the windows were rattling.

[thesetat]

33 minutes ago, ezflip said:

If you agree to a ceasefire, then why am I woken up at 4:30 am with the sound of artillery firing near my house?

because Thailand rejected the ceasefire. As well as telling all countries to stay out of their business and let the Thais find a solution. 

[ezflip]

27 minutes ago, dinsdale said:

Agreeing to a ceasefire and a ceasefire are two different things.

You are indeed correct to point out the distinction.

 

Please forgive me since I have not had a full good night sleep for the past 3 nights as there was people firing artillery shells over my house...

[dinsdale]

1 hour ago, ezflip said:

You are indeed correct to point out the distinction.

 

Please forgive me since I have not had a full good night sleep for the past 3 nights as there was people firing artillery shells over my house...

No problem. My friend in Kantaralak says loads of arti being fired. 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Thai Army Confirms Renewed Cambodian Shelling on Strategic Border Zones

 

 

 

[BangkokReady]

Trump the peacemaker.  Looking forward to the Nobel Peace Prize.

[connda]

"Daddy" is taking charge of the situation.  

 "You kids stop fighting or I'll beat you black and blue and you won't sit down for a week."

 

Good ol' school discipline.

[connda]

Makes me wonder is "Daddy" is sending Hegseth to Bangkok and Phnom Penh to see if he can sell weapons to both sides.

 "Peace Though Strength is our motto.  And you'll never end your border dispute unless you have the latest in US military hardware. How ya'll doing on 155mm shells?  If you buy today, we can get you a sh*t-ton of them by, let's say, 2030.  Don't wait or Ukraine will beat you to this great offer.  Peace Through Strength Baby!!!"

[Will B Good]

 

Give me a Nobel Peace Prize...now!!!

[SMIAI]

No one much cares what the Trump administration says. They pretend that they are listening, but do what they wanted to do anyway.

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Amnesty International Urges Immediate Ceasefire to Protect Civilians Along Thai-Cambodian Border

Picture courtesy of Amarin.

 

Amnesty International Thailand has issued an urgent call for an immediate ceasefire amid ongoing clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border, citing serious concerns over civilian safety and violations of international humanitarian law.

 

In a statement released on the morning of 27 July, Amnesty warned that the intensifying hostilities are having a devastating impact on civilians, with infrastructure such as homes, hospitals and other essential facilities reportedly damaged in the fighting. Thousands have already been displaced, forced to flee their communities in search of safety.

 

“Amid the fragile situation along the Thai–Cambodian border, the direct impact on civilians and civilian infrastructure is alarming,” the organisation stated. “Hospitals, homes and lives are at risk. Entire communities are being uprooted.”

 

Amnesty International Thailand is calling on all parties involved in the conflict to:

 

• Cease fire immediately to protect civilian lives

• End all attacks targeting or disproportionately affecting civilians and civilian infrastructure

• Uphold international humanitarian law, which prohibits direct or indiscriminate attacks on civilians

 

The human rights organisation stressed that any continued targeting of civilians or failure to distinguish between military and non-military targets constitutes a breach of international law and must cease without delay.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-07-27

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[sqwakvfr]

For a cease fire to be effective a third party has to be present to monitor it.  Possibly Malaysia can send military personnel to perfom this duty? Otherwise it will be lauch attack then counterattacks and so on.  

[lordgrinz]

2 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

Amnesty International Thailand is calling on all parties involved in the conflict to:

 

• Cease fire immediately to protect civilian lives

• End all attacks targeting or disproportionately affecting civilians and civilian infrastructure

• Uphold international humanitarian law, which prohibits direct or indiscriminate attacks on civilians

 

The human rights organisation stressed that any continued targeting of civilians or failure to distinguish between military and non-military targets constitutes a breach of international law and must cease without delay.

 

 

Is it indiscriminate fire, or are Cambodian forces completely incompetent and untrained in warfare? From what I have seen so far, it looks like they have no idea what they are doing.

[John Drake]

This may be a way for Trump to TACO on the original 36 percent tariffs he imposed on Thailand. Now, Thailand agrees to stop shooting for a few days and Trump gives them everything they want. TACO.

[John Drake]

7 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

A statement from Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs was more measured,

 

That's because, in effect, Trump has come down on Cambodia's side.

[cjinchiangrai]

49 minutes ago, sqwakvfr said:

For a cease fire to be effective a third party has to be present to monitor it.  Possibly Malaysia can send military personnel to perform this duty? Otherwise it will be launch attack then counterattacks and so on.  

They need to do something before China gets pissed off at both.

[John Drake]

26 minutes ago, cjinchiangrai said:

They need to do something before China gets pissed off at both.

 

The ultimate humiliation for Trump would be for Thailand and Cambodia to keep fighting until China stepped in and benevolently solved the dispute, while condemning Trump's threats as opportunism to take advantage of death, division, and war.

[John Drake]

2 hours ago, BangkokReady said:

Trump the peacemaker.  Looking forward to the Nobel Peace Prize.

 

Wouldn't it be funny if Xi intervened in the Thai-Cambodian conflict, resolved it peacefully, and both countries praised him for it, and as a result, Xi gets the Nobel Peace Prize instead of Trump.  555