"President Trump had phone calls with Thai and Cambodian officials in an effort to mediate the recent conflict. He also contacted Malaysia to assist in ending the violence", the White House announced on 14/11/2024.

The announcement did not specify who President Donald Trump spoke with, but Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim later confirmed he had spoken with the US leader. Anwar emphasized that Cambodia and Thailand had "withdrawn military forces from the border, in accordance with the agreed approach within the framework of the Kuala Lumpur peace agreement".

"I welcome President Trump's active role; he also contacted the Prime Minister of Cambodia and the Prime Minister of Thailand to ensure all disagreements are resolved orderly, thereby maintaining stability and harmony in the region", the Malaysian Prime Minister stated.

US President Donald Trump at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on 9/11/2024. Photo: AP

Earlier that day, the Malaysian Prime Minister announced he had spoken with his Cambodian counterpart, Hun Manet, and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, offering to mediate negotiations to restore the peace agreement. "Both leaders responded positively and reaffirmed their commitment to finding a peaceful solution", he added.

Clashes occurred at the Thailand-Cambodia border on the night of 12/11/2024, with both armies accusing the other of firing first. Cambodia reported one person killed and three injured, while Thailand recorded no casualties.

Bangkok previously announced the suspension of its peace agreement with Phnom Penh, accusing its neighbor of not complying with the agreement and laying new mines in the border area, which injured 4 Thai soldiers. Cambodia denied the information, asserting that these were leftover mines from previous conflicts.

Cambodia and Thailand signed a peace agreement on 26/10/2024 in Kuala Lumpur, witnessed by US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Anwar, to resolve a 5-day conflict in July 2024.

President Trump had previously pressured both sides to sign the agreement, threatening to impose punitive tariffs if the two countries did not cease fire.

The border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand has existed for over one century. The fighting in July 2024 erupted after Bangkok claimed Phnom Penh had laid mines, injuring Thai soldiers.

Pham Giang (According to AFP, Anadolu)