Thailand and Cambodia to Meet for Ceasefire Talks
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Leaders of Thailand and Cambodia are scheduled to sit down in Malaysia for ceasefire talks on Monday, the Associated Press reported.
Newsweek has reached out to the Cambodian and Thai foreign ministries for comment via email on Sunday.
Why It Matters
Border fighting between the two countries over the past four days has drawn international calls for a ceasefire, as 34 people have been killed and more than 168,000 have been displaced, according to the AP. The fighting erupted Thursday after a land mine explosion killed five Thai soldiers, with each country accusing the other of starting the war. The conflict is part of a decades-long border dispute.
President Donald Trump played a role in the lead-up to the ceasefire talks, speaking separately with both leaders on Saturday. In recent months, the administration has also been engaged in diplomatic efforts between India and Pakistan, as well as Israel and Hamas.
What To Know
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim invited Thai and Cambodian leaders for talks on Monday, and both sides have accepted. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai are expected to attend, according to the AP.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn on Sunday in a call to deescalate tensions.
"The United States is prepared to facilitate future discussions in order to ensure peace and stability between Thailand and Cambodia," State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a Sunday statement.
Trump spoke with both leaders separately on Saturday, writing in Truth Social posts that he pushed them for a ceasefire and noting the U.S. is negotiating trade deals with both countries. Earlier this month, the president informed them that the U.S. would levy a 36 percent tariff on their goods starting on August 1.
In a Sunday update, the Royal Thai Armed Forces said that "a total of seven key areas of engagement were reported, representing a decrease of three areas from the first day of the conflict."
The update continued: "Cambodian attacks remain irregular and may constitute violations of rules of engagement, posing further risk to border communities. The situation remains highly tense, and it is anticipated that Cambodia may be preparing for a major military operation prior to entering negotiations."
At least 21 people in Thailand and 13 Cambodians have been reported dead, according to the AP. The Thai Armed Forces reported there have been 51 civilian casualties and 111 military casualties.
More than 131,000 people have evacuated in Thailand, while over 37,000 have fled parts of Cambodia.
The latest Thailand-Cambodia border dispute dates back to 1907, when a map drawn during French colonial rule in Cambodia marked a boundary still cited by Cambodian officials today. Thai officials dispute this demarcation and claim territory beyond it, including ancient Khmer-era Hindu temples, such as Preah Vihear, despite two International Court of Justice rulings favoring Cambodia's claims.
Local villagers help unloading supplies donated by a charity for refugees from a truck, as they take refuge in Wat Phnom Kamboar, Oddar Meanchey province, Cambodia on July 27 amid the fighting between Thailand and...
Local villagers help unloading supplies donated by a charity for refugees from a truck, as they take refuge in Wat Phnom Kamboar, Oddar Meanchey province, Cambodia on July 27 amid the fighting between Thailand and Cambodia. More
AP Photo/Heng Sinith
What People Are Saying
Jairam Ramesh, an Indian politician in the Indian National Congress, wrote in an X post on Saturday: "President Trump is now mediating between Cambodia and Thailand and is using the opportunity to make the claim - for the 26th time - on a US-brokered ceasefire between India and Pakistan."
President Donald Trump wrote in a Saturday Truth Social post: "I just had a very good call with the Prime Minister of Cambodia, and informed him of my discussions with Thailand, and its Acting Prime Minister. Both Parties are looking for an immediate Ceasefire and Peace. They are also looking to get back to the "Trading Table" with the United States, which we think is inappropriate to do until such time as the fighting STOPS. They have agreed to immediately meet and quickly work out a Ceasefire and, ultimately, PEACE! It was an Honor to deal with both Countries. They have a long and storied History and Culture. They will hopefully get along for many years to come. When all is done, and Peace is at hand, I look forward to concluding our Trading Agreements with both!"
Sophal Ear, associate professor at Arizona State University, told Newsweek on Friday: "This crisis represents a critical test of American and Chinese influence in Southeast Asia. For the U.S., Thailand is a key strategic partner, essential to sustaining American military and diplomatic presence in the region. For China, Cambodia is a central player in its regional ambitions under the Belt and Road Initiative, serving as a strategic foothold."
Secretary General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres wrote in an X post Saturday: "I remain available to assist in efforts towards a peaceful resolution of the dispute."
Cambodia's Ministry of Information wrote in an X post: "Despite repeated commitments to ceasefire, Thailand continues to violate its own promises. After initially agreeing to halt attacks following discussions with the Malaysian Prime Minister on 24th July 2025, Thailand resumed firing. Last night, 26th July, even after reaching another ceasefire agreement with U.S. President Donald Trump, the Thai military launched heavy weapon attacks on Cambodian territory. Moreover, Thailand is breaching its agreement with the United States, the very supplier of its weapons, by using these arms under false pretenses and in inappropriate conditions."
Thailand's Government Public Relations Department wrote in an X post: "Cambodia attacked civilian homes in Surin on 27 July, 4:30 AM, followed by a disinformation campaign. Thailand condemns this violation of international law, calls for cessation, & reserves the right to self-defense. International community is asked to condemn these inhumane acts."
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