"We do a lot of trade with Thailand and Cambodia, and I understand they're having a conflict. I think it's an easy one because I settled India and Pakistan," former US President Donald Trump said during a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Scotland on 27/7.

Trump said he spoke separately with the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand, warning of consequences if they didn't stop fighting. "I said we're not going to be doing much business, in terms of trade deals, unless they settle it. And at the end of the call, I think they wanted to settle it," he said.

Trump stated he would be "very happy" to use trade as leverage to resolve such issues.

Former President Trump meets with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Turnberry, Scotland on 27/7. Photo: AP

Former President Trump meets with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Turnberry, Scotland on 27/7. Photo: AP

Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan previously announced that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai were expected in Kuala Lumpur on 28/7 to discuss the conflict.

The Thai government later confirmed Phumtham would lead a delegation to Malaysia. Hun Manet also stated he would lead a Cambodian delegation to "attend the special meeting in Kuala Lumpur hosted by Malaysia and co-hosted by the US, with the participation of China."

Tensions between Cambodia and Thailand escalated from 23/7. Fighting broke out near the Ta Moan Thom Temple on the morning of 24/7, and then spread to several areas along the border. Forces from both sides repeatedly exchanged heavy fire. Both accused the other of firing first.

This was the most serious clash between the two neighbors in over 10 years, resulting in a total of 33 deaths on both sides.

The fighting also forced more than 138,000 people to evacuate from border areas in Thailand and 80,000 Cambodians to flee their homes.

Thuy Lam (Times of India, The Nation, Khmer Times)