The U.S. President has pledged to personally intervene following a renewed outbreak of military hostilities along the disputed border between Thailand and Cambodia. The announcement comes less than two months after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire between the two Southeast Asian nations collapsed.
Speaking at a public event, the President pointed to his record in international diplomacy, stating he had ended multiple conflicts during his tenure. He then addressed the fresh fighting, suggesting a direct phone call from him could halt the violence. “These are two powerful countries going at it again,” he told supporters, indicating he would make that call imminently.
This latest escalation has seen both sides exchange artillery and small arms fire, leading to significant civilian displacement. Reports indicate hundreds of thousands of residents have fled border areas in recent weeks. Each government accuses the other of violating the previous ceasefire agreement, which was signed under U.S. auspices earlier this year.
The fragile peace began unraveling in November after Thailand alleged one of its soldiers was severely injured by a newly planted landmine, a charge Cambodia denies. In response, Thailand suspended de-escalation measures, setting the stage for the current clashes.
Officials on both sides have struck defiant tones. Thailand’s Prime Minister stated that military operations would continue as planned to protect national sovereignty, noting that no negotiation overtures had been received from Cambodia. From Phnom Penh, a senior Cambodian leader asserted that while his nation desires peace, it is compelled to return fire to defend its territory.
Preliminary casualty figures reported by defense ministries list several soldiers killed and dozens wounded on the Thai side, while Cambodian authorities report civilian deaths and serious injuries.
The situation remains volatile, with the promised high-level diplomatic intervention from Washington now awaited as regional tensions flare anew.