TURNBERRY, Scotland/KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – US President Donald Trump on Sunday, July 27, 2025, touted his personal role in securing a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, declaring that he had instructed his trade team to restart negotiations with the two Southeast Asian nations following the cessation of hostilities. The border conflict, which had escalated significantly in recent days, formally came to a halt under the mediation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the current chair of ASEAN.
Speaking from his luxury golf course in western Scotland, Trump posted on Truth Social: “Just spoke to the Acting Prime Minister of Thailand and the Prime Minister of Cambodia. I am pleased to announce that, after the involvement of President Donald J. Trump, both countries have reached a CEASEFIRE and PEACE. Congratulations to all! By ending this war, we have saved thousands of lives.” He further added, “I have instructed my trade team to restart negotiations on trade. I have now ended many wars in just six months—I am proud to be the President of PEACE!”
Earlier on Monday during a bilateral meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump reiterated his claims, stating, “We solved that war, you probably saw it just, came out over the wire, so we solved it through trade. I said, ‘I don’t want to trade with anybody that’s killing each other,’ so we just got that one solved.”
Trump had previously warned Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai over the weekend that the United States would not proceed with any trade deals unless the conflict ceased. “We happen to be, by coincidence, currently dealing on Trade with both Countries, but do not want to make any Deal, with either Country, if they are fighting — And I have told them so!” he posted.
ASEAN-Mediated Breakthrough
While Trump was vocal about his involvement, the ceasefire declaration between Cambodia and Thailand was officially announced by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur. As the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Prime Minister Anwar hosted and mediated urgent talks between Hun Manet and Phumtham Wechayachai at his official residence.
The agreement, which includes an immediate and unconditional ceasefire effective from midnight on July 28, 2025, also outlines plans for immediate follow-up meetings between military commanders and a General Border Committee (GBC) meeting scheduled for August 4. Malaysia has pledged to coordinate an observer team to monitor compliance with the ceasefire, consulting other ASEAN member states on their participation.
Decades-Old Border Dispute and Recent Escalation
The border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand is long-standing, with roots tracing back to the Franco-Siamese treaties of the early 1900s. The conflict has frequently flared up over ill-defined boundaries, particularly around ancient Hindu temples like Preah Vihear, Prasat Ta Muen Thom, and Prasat Ta Krabey, which hold significant cultural and strategic importance. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in 1962 that Preah Vihear temple is in Cambodian territory, and again in 2013 on the surrounding promontory, but other disputed areas remain. The most recent escalation in tensions began in May 2025, with clashes reported near the Chong Bok pass on May 28, resulting in a Cambodian soldier’s death. The conflict intensified significantly on July 24, with both sides exchanging accusations of provocation and launching shelling and rocket fire. Thailand also reportedly conducted airstrikes. According to figures from Thai and Cambodian officials, the recent fighting has killed at least 35 people and injured over 200, displacing hundreds of thousands of civilians. Despite the formal ceasefire announcement, initial reports indicated that localized fighting continued in some border areas even hours after the declaration. Moun Nara, head of an evacuation shelter on the Cambodian side, stated, “I still hear the sound of the shooting… It’s not yet ended. Let’s wait and see until midnight.”
The US President’s involvement, along with ASEAN’s diplomatic efforts under Malaysia’s chairmanship, highlights the international concern over the renewed hostilities and the complex dynamics influencing peace in Southeast Asia.
Trump Takes Credit For Cambodia-Thailand Ceasefire, Threatens Trade Sanctions To Enforce Peace
