"I had a very positive phone call with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet regarding the unfortunate renewed conflict between the two nations," US President Donald Trump announced on 12/12.

Both sides have agreed to a complete ceasefire, effective tonight, and to reinstate the original peace agreement that was established with the support of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. This agreement was initially brokered in July.

President Trump affirmed that both Cambodia and Thailand are ready for peace and to continue trade with the US.

US President Donald Trump at a cabinet meeting in the White House on 2/12. Photo: AFP

The US leader stated, "It is an honor to work with Mr. Anutin and Mr. Hun Manet to handle a situation that could escalate into a major war between two wonderful and prosperous nations! I also thank the Malaysian Prime Minister for his support in this very important matter."

Officials from Cambodia and Thailand have not yet commented on the information.

Prime Minister Anutin previously stated that the phone call with President Trump went well. He emphasized, "It is necessary to inform the whole world that Cambodia will adhere to the ceasefire. The party that violates the agreement must rectify the situation, not the other side."

The recent escalation saw tensions erupt into clashes on 7/12, when Cambodian and Thai soldiers exchanged gunfire along the disputed border. In the following days, both sides used heavy weapons, including F-16 fighter jets and multiple launch rocket systems, targeting positions along the disputed border. This resulted in casualties among soldiers and civilians.

This renewed conflict followed the breakdown of a previous peace agreement. The two neighboring nations repeatedly accused each other of not complying with the terms. On 10/11, Thailand declared a suspension of the peace agreement with Cambodia, after a mine explosion injured two soldiers near the border.

In October, President Trump had co-signed a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia in Malaysia. He had previously used tariff pressure to bring the two countries to peace talks, which ended a 5-day border conflict in July.

Nhu Tam (According to AFP, Reuters)