Thailand and Cambodia to hold peace talks as Trump urges them to settle differences

KUALA LUMPUR, July 28, 2025 — Thailand and Cambodia are set to engage in high-stakes peace consultations today in Kuala Lumpur, following mounting regional tensions and diplomatic pressure from the United States. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, on Saturday, urged both nations to halt hostilities or risk suspension of trade deals with the U.S., injecting urgency into the long-simmering conflict.

The emergency talks, initiated by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in his capacity as ASEAN Chair, aim to de-escalate the violence that erupted along the Thailand–Cambodia border over the weekend. Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will lead a high-level delegation, joined by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, in what is being described as a critical diplomatic intervention.

The meeting is scheduled to take place at 15:00 Malaysian time at the Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya. The Thai delegation, departing from the Royal Thai Air Force base in Bangkok earlier this morning, includes key officials such as Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, Deputy Defense Minister Gen. Nattaphon Narkphanit, Secretary-General to the PM Prommin Lertsuridej, and Government Spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub.

The diplomatic push comes in the wake of severe border incidents that saw Cambodian forces allegedly initiating artillery and rocket attacks into Thai territory, killing one civilian and injuring another in Si Sa Ket Province. According to a detailed statement from Thailand’s Royal Armed Forces issued late on July 27, Cambodian forces launched a series of unprovoked attacks on the Chong Chom region, including civilian-populated areas and military installations near Ta Kwai and Ta Muen Thom temples.

Thai military spokesperson Maj. Gen. Vithai Laithomya categorically denied Cambodian claims that Thailand had violated its neighbor’s sovereignty, labeling the accusations as false and provocative. He further accused Cambodia of distorting facts to mislead the international community and justify its own aggression.

“Thailand has exercised utmost restraint, but when faced with armed aggression, the Kingdom has every right to defend itself and its territorial integrity,” the statement emphasized, citing Article 51 of the UN Charter.

The most alarming attack reportedly involved a BM-21 rocket barrage that struck Kantharalak District, roughly 20 kilometers inside Thai territory. Thai officials described the strike as “barbaric” and a “violation of fundamental humanitarian principles.”

Despite the rising tensions, Thai authorities reiterated their commitment to peace and international law, while urging Cambodia to halt its disinformation and military provocations. The Thai side also called on the international community to recognize the facts and pressure Cambodia into ending its “unlawful aggression.”

The ASEAN-hosted meeting is being closely watched across Southeast Asia, as regional powers and international observers fear a broader escalation. The outcome may not only shape the future of Thailand–Cambodia relations but also test ASEAN’s capacity to mediate in regional conflicts.