Cambodian and Thai leaders negotiated a ceasefire on 28/7 in Malaysia, ending the border conflict. The meeting took place partly due to pressure from former President Donald Trump, who stated that the US would not engage in trade talks with either country if the fighting continued.
Tens of thousands of Cambodians subsequently posted Trump's portrait on social media along with messages expressing their gratitude. In these posts, Trump's image is often displayed with American and Cambodian flags, alongside hashtags such as #ThanksTrump, #PresidentOfPeace, and #TrumpForPeacePrize, the Phnom Penh Post reported.
"I used to criticize and blame President Trump, but he is now a benefactor of the Cambodian people. I express my gratitude and appreciation to the American leader for intervening in the historical conflict between Cambodia and Thailand," Sotheara wrote on Facebook.
The user added that without Trump's intervention, the Cambodia-Thailand conflict would have continued, resulting in further loss of life.
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An image from a Cambodian social media user's post thanking former US President Donald Trump. Photo: Phnom Penh Post |
An image from a Cambodian social media user's post thanking former US President Donald Trump. Photo: Phnom Penh Post
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Senate President Hun Sen, and National Assembly President Khuon Sudary previously expressed their thanks to Trump.
Hun Sen called Trump's mediation efforts a "great initiative that saved tens of thousands of lives" in both Cambodia and Thailand. He also thanked Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for coordinating the negotiations, as well as "Chinese friends" and "friendly countries" for supporting the ceasefire effort.
US Senator Marco Rubio confirmed on 28/7 that Washington was involved in the Malaysian-led process to promote dialogue and end the Cambodia-Thailand conflict. He said the US would continue to work with the parties and "be deeply engaged in the process."
Trump later wrote on Truth Social that Cambodia and Thailand "have reached a ceasefire and peace after my involvement." "I am proud to be President of Peace," he stated.
Fighting between Cambodia and Thailand broke out near the Ta Moan Thom Temple on the morning of 24/7 and later spread to other areas along the border. This was the most serious clash between the two neighbors in over 10 years, resulting in 38 deaths: 25 in Thailand and 13 in Cambodia.
After the ceasefire took effect, Thailand repeatedly accused Cambodia of violating the agreement and attacking its military positions. Phnom Penh denied these accusations, asserting its adherence to the ceasefire and accusing Bangkok of "fabrication and misunderstanding."
Nhu Tam (Phnom Penh Post, Khmer Times)
