International Faktain News – Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to hold emergency talks in Malaysia on Monday, July 28, in a significant diplomatic effort to end four days of deadly border clashes.
The breakthrough comes after direct intervention from US President Donald Trump, who on Saturday called the leaders of both Southeast Asian nations to urge an immediate ceasefire. A Thai delegation led by acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai is confirmed to attend, while Malaysia has informed the Thai government that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet will also be present.
The fighting, which broke out on July 24, has resulted in the deaths of at least 33 soldiers and civilians and displaced thousands of nationals on both sides of the border.
The diplomatic push is set against a backdrop of significant economic pressure. US tariffs of 36% on goods from both Thailand and Cambodia are scheduled to take effect on August 1. Trump explicitly linked the resumption of trade negotiations to a cessation of hostilities. “When all is done, and peace is at hand, I look forward to concluding our Trading Agreements with both!” he wrote on his Truth Social platform.
Despite the agreement to meet, the two nations hold differing preconditions for peace. Cambodia, whose military has reportedly sustained heavier losses, has accepted Trump’s call for an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire.” Prime Minister Hun Manet stated that Trump’s mediation “will truly help protect the lives of many soldiers and civilians.”
Thailand, however, maintains that while it agrees to a ceasefire in principle, substantive dialogue must come first to ensure a sincere commitment from Cambodia. “Thailand would like to see sincere intention from the Cambodian side,” the Thai foreign ministry said in a statement.
The immediate cause of this latest flare-up is disputed. Thailand claims the conflict began after Cambodian military drones conducted surveillance on its troops. Cambodia alleges that Thai soldiers violated a prior agreement by advancing on a contested Khmer-Hindu temple. The border itself has been a source of tension for more than a century, stemming from demarcations made during the French occupation of Cambodia.
The talks in Malaysia, which Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had previously offered to facilitate, are now seen as a critical opportunity to de-escalate the violence and find a solution under considerable international and economic pressure.
Thailand and Cambodia to Hold Peace Talks in Malaysia After Trump’s Intervention