The new round of clashes at the Thai-Cambodian border that broke out in December continues. On the evening of the 12th, Thai caretaker Prime Minister Anutin held a phone conversation with U.S. President Trump and then convened a press conference late at night. He said he had informed Trump that Thailand was not the aggressor in the Thai-Cambodian border conflict.
Anutin stated that Trump hopes for peace and expects Thailand to stop military actions and restore the previously established ceasefire agreement. However, Anutin told Trump that Thailand abides by the agreement between the two sides, but Cambodia has violated certain terms, resulting in Thailand having to retaliate.
Anutin said: "I explained to President Trump that we are not the aggressors against Cambodia—we are responding. He wants us to cease fire. I asked him to tell the other side—don’t just call for a ceasefire, they must declare to the whole world that Cambodia will cease fire, withdraw its troops, and remove all the landmines they have planted. They must first take concrete actions."
After speaking with the Thai and Cambodian leaders, Trump wrote on Truth Social: "They have agreed to halt all gunfire from tonight and return to the peace agreement both sides signed."
Trump had previously mediated a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia in July this year, ending five days of fighting.
● Thai Farmers: Hope for Direct Dialogue Between Cambodia and Thailand
According to AFP, in Buri Ram Province in northeastern Thailand, evacuee Jirasan said that peace should be achieved through direct bilateral talks rather than through foreign mediation.
This 50-year-old farmer said: "I hope Thailand and Cambodia will first hold direct, clear, and decisive talks."
"If Cambodia violates the peace agreement again, ASEAN countries should intervene, and perhaps certain sanctions could be implemented."
Jon, a 54-year-old Cambodian, said he was very pleased to hear that Trump called the Thai Prime Minister and requested both countries abide by the joint declaration.
He told AFP at a shelter in Banteay Meanchey Province: "I don’t want to see the two countries go to war. I hope Cambodia and Thailand can both coexist in peace."