Fighting between Thailand and Cambodia has escalated, entering its fourth day on Thursday, as both nations await a phone call from U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump has expressed confidence that he can intervene to help resolve the ongoing conflict between the two Southeast Asian countries.
The situation intensified on Wednesday, with battles reported in over a dozen locations along the 817-kilometer (508-mile) Thai-Cambodian border, marking some of the most severe clashes since a five-day confrontation in July, recognized as the worst violence in recent memory. In that earlier incident, Trump facilitated a ceasefire by threatening to pause trade discussions unless both sides agreed to halt hostilities.
The U.S. President stated on Wednesday, “I think I can get them to stop fighting,” adding that he is scheduled to speak with the leaders of both nations on Thursday.
However, the response from Thailand has been more cautious this time. They have signaled that they prefer to manage the situation bilaterally, reflecting a desire to resolve the issues directly without external pressure. This comes in the wake of a ceasefire agreement brokered in July by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, which led to an extended truce in October.
This ongoing conflict underscores the complexities of diplomacy in Southeast Asia, made even more challenging by changing attitudes toward foreign intervention and mediation. The hope remains that through dialogue and negotiation, a peaceful resolution can be achieved, thereby fostering stability in the region.
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