Donald Trump urged the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand on Saturday to an immediate ceasefire. Although both parties were positive about the call, the fighting along the border continues.
The US President has called both leaders. On his platform Truth Social, Trump wrote that Thailand and Cambodia “have agreed to meet immediately and quickly achieve a ceasefire and ultimately peace.”
Both countries thanked him for his concern and efforts. Cambodia is said to have accepted the request for a ceasefire, while Thailand emphasized the importance of a dialogue, write BBC News and Reuters.
“I have made it clear that Cambodia agreed to the proposal for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire between the two forces,” Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said after the telephone conversation. He also stated that Trump’s mediation “will actually help protect the lives of many soldiers and civilians.”
Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai “thanked President Trump for his concern and indicated that Thailand in principle agrees to a ceasefire.” The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs also wrote in a statement that the country wanted to see “Cambodia’s sincere intention.”
Both countries are shelling each other
This does not change anything for the time being in the conflict. Despite Trump’s attempt at mediation, both parties have reopened fire. The Cambodian Ministry of Defense reported that Thailand had carried out shelling and ground attacks in various places on Sunday morning. Heavy artillery shelling has been carried out on temple complexes in, among other places, Phnom Kmoach.
The Thai army then reports that Cambodia had fired shots in various places, including near the homes of civilians. Cows and sheep are said to have died as a result. Cambodia contradicts that claim and states that Thailand has used, among other things, drones and cluster ammunition. Two well-known Hindu temples are also said to have been hit.
Both countries accuse each other of shooting first. Since the violence flared up, at least 33 soldiers and civilians have been killed. More than 130,000 people are said to have been displaced.
Thailand and Cambodia have been arguing about the border for more than a hundred years. The countries have been facing each other since the death of a Cambodian soldier at the end of May. The conflict flared up last Thursday.