Bangkok, July 27
Thailand on Sunday responded to US President Donald Trump's call for a ceasefire on the Thai-Cambodian border, saying that the country agrees in principle to have a ceasefire in place but would like to see sincere intention from the Cambodian side.
In a statement released early Sunday, the Thai Foreign Ministry confirmed that "Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai had a conversation with President Trump who requested that Thailand and Cambodia agree to a ceasefire immediately."
Phumtham told Trump that "Thailand agrees in principle to have a ceasefire in place. However, Thailand would like to see sincere intention from the Cambodian side," said the statement.
Phumtham asked Trump to convey to the Cambodian side 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," it added.
Clashes in the border areas between Cambodia and Thailand began on Thursday, with both sides accusing each other of violating international law, Xinhua news agency reported.
Meanwhile, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on Sunday reiterated Cambodia's willingness for an "immediate and unconditional ceasefire" between the armed forces of Cambodia and Thailand.
In a social media post, Hun Manet said he had a phone discussion on Saturday night with US President Donald Trump over the issue of armed clashes along the Cambodia-Thailand border.
During the conversation, Trump expressed his desire not to see war or fighting that would lead to many deaths and injuries on both sides, including soldiers and civilians, and wished to see an immediate ceasefire and peace between the two countries, said Hun Manet.
"In response, I made it clear to Honorable President Donald Trump that Cambodia agreed with the proposal for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire between the two armed forces," he said.
Hun Manet said he had assigned Prak Sokhonn, Cambodian deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation, to discuss with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio over the ceasefire proposal.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Interesting to see Trump involved in Asian affairs again. But why is US mediating when ASEAN exists? Southeast Asian countries should solve their own disputes without Western interference. India-China border talks happen bilaterally, same should apply here.
Both countries are important for Indian tourism and trade. Hope this gets resolved quickly! Many Indian students study in Thailand and Cambodia - their safety is most important. Maybe India could offer to mediate as a neutral party?
As someone living in Bangkok, I appreciate Thailand's cautious approach. The Preah Vihear temple dispute has been going on for decades - a quick ceasefire without proper agreements won't solve anything. Need long-term solutions like we've seen with India-Bangladesh border agreements.
Cambodia seems more eager for ceasefire than Thailand. Makes me wonder if Thailand has stronger position militarily? Either way, war benefits no one. Just look at Russia-Ukraine - millions suffering for political egos. Hope ASEAN steps up to mediate properly.
While ceasefire is good, I'm concerned about Trump's sudden interest. US foreign policy keeps changing with each president. Thailand and Cambodia should involve more stable partners like India or Japan for long-term peacekeeping. We've seen how US abandoned Afghanistan suddenly.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.