Thailand, Cambodia Agree to Meet in Malaysia to Discuss Cease-Fire

Thai and Cambodian leaders on July 27 indicated that they would meet in Malaysia and enter into cease-fire negotiations to resolve a deadly border dispute after U.S. President Donald Trump intervened on July 26.

After four days of fighting, the conflict has resulted in at least 34 deaths and the displacement of more than 168,000 people.

On July 26, Trump wrote on Truth Social that he spoke to the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia and suggested that he would halt trade negotiations with both countries if they did not stop the fighting.

“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,” Trump said. “They have agreed to immediately meet and quickly work out a Ceasefire and, ultimately, peace!”

On July 27, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said his country will pursue an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire.” He said Trump had told him during a phone call that Thailand had also agreed to end the conflict after the U.S. president also talked to acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai.

“This is positive news for the soldiers and people of both countries,” Hun said in a statement.

The Cambodian prime minister assigned his deputy, Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, to discuss the next steps with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio while communicating with Thailand’s foreign minister to initiate a truce.

Indicating cautious support, Phumtham thanked Trump and suggested that his nation agreed to a cease-fire in principle but emphasized the need for “sincere intention” from Cambodia, according to the Thai Foreign Ministry. The ministry added that Phumtham urged immediate bilateral negotiations to discuss what’s needed for a peaceful resolution.

On July 27, Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan told state news agency Bernama that Phumtham and Hun are scheduled to meet in Malaysia on the evening of July 28.

“They have full confidence in Malaysia and asked me to be a mediator,” Hasan said. He added that officials from both Cambodia and Thailand had indicated that no other nation should get involved.

The agreement follows four days of brutal fighting and a call on July 25 from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) forum, for a cease-fire, and the trade ultimatum from Trump on July 26.

The conflict has involved the worst fighting in more than a decade between the two Southeast Asian neighbors.

The clash began on July 24 after a land mine explosion along the border wounded five Thai soldiers, with both sides blaming each other for initiating the fighting.

Both nations recalled their ambassadors and Thailand shuttered its border crossings with Cambodia.

The conflict continued on July 27 throughout portions of the contested border, despite attempts at diplomacy. The countries traded blame for escalating bombardments and troop deployments.

Cambodian forces shot heavy artillery into Thailand’s Surin province, including at civilian residences early on July 27, according to Col. Richa Suksowanont, a Thai army deputy spokesperson. He also said Cambodia carried out rocket attacks on the ancient Ta Muen Thom temple that both nations claim, and into other areas in an effort to reclaim territory secured by Thai troops.

Thailand’s military retaliated with long-range artillery strikes on Cambodia’s artillery positions and rocket launchers. Thailand will continue military operations and will only consider a cease-fire if Cambodia formally initiates the talks, according to Richa.

Cambodian Defense Ministry spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata accused Thailand of escalating the conflict by shelling Cambodian territory early on July 27. This was followed by a “large-scale incursion” that included group troops and tanks in multiple territories, Maly said.

“Such actions undermine all efforts toward peaceful resolution and expose Thailand’s clear intent to escalate rather than de-escalate the conflict,” she said.

The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.