US President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House on 10/12 that he intended to call the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand "tomorrow", expressing confidence in his ability to mediate. Trump stated that the two nations "have been in conflict for a long time" and that he had previously addressed the issue, referring to US mediation efforts in october. He also praised the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand as "great leaders", adding, "I believe I can make them stop fighting".

US President Donald Trump at the White House on 21/11. Photo: AP

Tensions between Cambodia and Thailand reignited into clashes on 7/12, with soldiers from both countries exchanging gunfire along the disputed border. In the days that followed, both sides deployed heavy weaponry, including F-16 fighter jets and multiple rocket launchers, targeting positions along the disputed frontier. These engagements resulted in the deaths of soldiers and civilians. In october, Trump had leveraged tariff pressure to bring Cambodia and Thailand to peace talks, aiming to end a five-day border conflict that occurred in july. However, the two neighboring countries subsequently accused each other of non-compliance with the agreement.

Since early july, at least 50 people, including civilians and soldiers from both sides, have died in the ongoing clashes. Over 300,000 people have been displaced from the conflict areas.

Ngoc Anh (According to AFP)