Thailand, Cambodia agree to ‘bilateral dialogue’ as Trump pushes for ceasefire

Thailand-Cambodia conflict

Thailand has confirmed it has agreed to  a ceasefire with Cambodia and was open to engaging in “bilateral dialogue" aimed at resolving the most severe border conflict between the two nations in more than a decade.

The violence between the two countries, is now in its third day, has involved intense artillery exchanges and has resulted in at least 33 fatalities and the displacement of over 150,000 people.

This came after US President Donald Trump has said that leaders of both countries have agreed to hold immediate talks to negotiate a ceasefire.  after three days of deadly clashes.

“A few moments ago, I had a conversation with President Trump, who requested that Thailand and Cambodia agree to a ceasefire immediately. I thanked President Trump for his concern and expressed that Thailand agrees in principle to have a ceasefire in place," said Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai.

“However, Thailand would like to see a sincere intention from the Cambodian side. I also requested President Trump to convey to the Cambodian side that Thailand wants to convene a bilateral dialogue as soon as possible to bring forth measures and procedures for the ceasefire and the eventual peaceful resolution of the conflict," he added.

Since fighting erupted on Thursday, the violence has led to more than a dozen deaths, numerous injuries, and the displacement of over 150,000 people. Both Thai and Cambodian officials confirmed that clashes continued into Saturday.

The conflict originated from longstanding disputes over ancient temple sites and later escalated across the rural border area, a region defined by forested hills and farmland where communities depend on rubber and rice cultivation.