Thailand and Cambodia Rebuff Trump’s Attempt to Broker Peace
Summary:
Thailand and Cambodia have been engaged in intense border clashes, ignoring President Trump’s offer to mediate. The US President stated that he would try to intervene and salvage a ceasefire he brokered earlier this year. The recent fighting has resulted in casualties on both sides, with civilians being targeted in artillery and rocket attacks. Despite Trump’s comments, both countries have shown reluctance to engage in peace talks, insisting that the conflict is a matter between them.
What This Means for You:
- The conflict between Thailand and Cambodia threatens to escalate, potentially leading to further loss of life and property damage.
- The resumption of hostilities suggests that the ceasefire agreed upon earlier is tenuous and could be easily broken.
- Both countries have rejected Trump’s offer to mediate, indicating that they are not yet ready for a diplomatic solution to the conflict.
- The situation highlights the limited influence that the US has in resolving regional conflicts, particularly when countries are unwilling to engage in dialogue.
Original Post:
Thailand and Cambodia traded accusations of targeting civilians in artillery and rocket attacks, as United States President Donald Trump said he would try to intervene to stop the fighting and salvage a ceasefire he brokered earlier this year.
Clashes raged at more than a dozen locations along their 817km border in some of the most intense fighting since a five-day battle in July, which Trump stopped with calls to both leaders to halt their worst conflict in recent history.
The Southeast Asian neighbours have blamed each other for the clashes that started on Monday.
Trump, at a rally in Pennsylvania earlier this week, said he would try to stop the renewed hostilities. On Wednesday, he told reporters he expected to speak with the countries’ leaders on Thursday.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for additional information about the calls.
“I think I can get them to stop fighting,” Trump said.
“I think I’m scheduled to speak to them tomorrow.”
Thailand’s army has made clear it wants to cripple Cambodia’s military capabilities, and Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said operations would not stop.
He declined to comment on the military’s endgame. Asked about Trump’s remarks, he said the conflict was a matter between the two countries involved.
“Other national leaders may have good intentions in wanting peace,” Anutin told reporters.
“It cannot be as simple as picking up the phone and calling. There must be proper appointment and agreed talking points. We still have time to prepare these issues if such discussions are to take place.”
Cambodian government spokesperson Pen Bona said Cambodia’s position was that it wanted only peace and had acted in self-defence. A top adviser to Cambodia’s prime minister has signalled the country was ready to negotiate.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who helped Trump broker the ceasefire, said he had spoken with leaders of Thailand and Cambodia on Tuesday and, though no definitive resolution was reached, he appreciated "the openness and willingness of both leaders to continue negotiations in order to ease tensions".
The three days of clashes have taken a heavy toll on civilians, with nine people killed in Cambodia, including an infant, and 46 people wounded, according to its government.
Five Thai soldiers had been killed in the fighting, and 68 people were wounded, according to the Thai army.
On Wednesday, Cambodia withdrew its athletes from the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, citing safety reasons and their families’ concerns.
Hundreds of thousands of people have been evacuated from border areas, though some people have chosen not to leave.
Extra Information:
For more context, check out these resources:
- Al Jazeera: Thailand and Cambodia accused of targetting civilians in fighting
- The Guardian: Thai and Cambodian troops trade fire in border clashes for third day
- Reuters: Thai, Cambodian troops clash on border despite US urge to end fighting
People Also Ask About:
- What started the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia? The recent conflict began in 2023, with both countries blaming each other for the escalation of violence.
- How many people have been killed in the conflict? As of February 22, 2023, at least 14 people, including civilians and soldiers, have been reported killed.
- Has President Trump been involved in previous ceasefires? Yes, President Trump helped broker a ceasefire in July 2022, but it did not last long.
- What is the US’s role in this conflict? The US has been trying to mediate the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, urging both sides to end the hostilities and engage in peace talks.
- How many people have been affected by the fighting? Hundreds of thousands of people have been evacuated from border areas due to the conflict.
Expert Opinion:
The reluctance of both Thailand and Cambodia to engage in diplomatic talks, despite President Trump’s offer to mediate, highlights the complexity of regional conflicts and the limited influence that external powers can exert.
Key Terms:
- Thailand and Cambodia Border Conflict
- Ceasefire in Thailand and Cambodia
- President Trump’s Mediation Attempts
- Southeast Asian Conflicts
- Regional Security Issues
- Escalation of Violence in Thailand and Cambodia
- International Mediation Efforts
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