Cambodia–Thailand ceasefire: Donald Trump takes credit; declares himself 'president of peace'
In a post on Truth Social, US President Donald Trump claimed personal credit for brokering a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, calling it a major diplomatic achievement and declaring, 'I am proud to be the President of Peace!'
'Just spoke to the acting Prime Minister of Thailand and Prime Minister of Cambodia,' Trump wrote on Monday.
'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!'
He went on to say, 'By ending this War, we have saved thousands of lives. 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'
As per news agency AFP, the ceasefire announcement followed five days of fierce fighting along the disputed jungle border between Thailand and Cambodia that killed at least 36 people and displaced nearly 300,000.
The truce was officially declared in Kuala Lumpur after peace talks mediated by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, chair of the Asean bloc.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai agreed to an 'immediate and unconditional ceasefire' to take effect from midnight on Monday, local time. The agreement was confirmed in a joint statement read out by Anwar, who called it 'a vital first step towards de-escalation and the restoration of peace and security.'
Despite the formal announcement, sporadic fighting reportedly continued in some border areas after the ceasefire was declared, according to AFP. Cambodian officials accused Thailand of continued shelling early Monday, while Thailand said clashes persisted in at least three provinces.
Trump had earlier warned both countries that the US would not proceed with trade negotiations if the conflict dragged on. 'We happen to be, by coincidence, currently dealing on Trade with both countries, but do not want to make any deal… if they are fighting — and I have told them so!' he posted over the weekend.
Trump also likened the situation to the past conflict between India and Pakistan, which he claimed to have resolved successfully. 'This very much reminds me of the conflict between Pakistan and India, which was brought to a successful halt,' he wrote.
The president held separate calls with both Hun Manet and Phumtham, urging them to agree to an immediate ceasefire. 'After speaking to both Parties, Ceasefire, Peace, and Prosperity seems to be a natural.
We will soon see!' he added in a separate post on Truth Social.
US secretary of state Marco Rubio echoed support for the ceasefire in a post on X, saying the US 'applauds the ceasefire declaration between Cambodia and Thailand announced today in Kuala Lumpur.' He also confirmed that US state department officials were on the ground in Malaysia to assist with negotiations.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet publicly thanked Trump for his 'decisive support,' calling the peace deal 'a foundation for future de-escalation.'
The decades-long territorial dispute between the two countries flared up again last week, with both sides trading blame for triggering the latest violence. The disputed region, home to ancient temples and dense forest, has long been a flashpoint.
While the ceasefire has brought temporary relief, military commanders from both sides are scheduled to meet on Tuesday to discuss next steps, followed by a cross-border committee meeting on August 4 in Cambodia.
For now, Trump has claimed the diplomatic win and signalled that the path to trade re-engagement with both nations is open.
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