US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that Thailand and Cambodia had agreed to meet. He said the goal was to quickly work out a ceasefire.
Trump spoke with both leaders after three days of fighting on the border. At least 33 people have died.
He made the statements during a visit to Scotland. He used social media to share updates.
Trump said he warned both leaders that he would not make trade deals with them if the fighting continued.
He spoke to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. He said he relayed messages between them.
Trump wrote: “Just spoke to the prime minister of Cambodia relative to stopping the war with Thailand.”
He added: “I have just spoken to the acting prime minister of Thailand, and it was a very good conversation. Thailand, like Cambodia, wants to have an immediate ceasefire and peace.”
He then said: “I am now going to relay that message back to the prime minister of Cambodia. After speaking to both parties, [a] ceasefire, peace, and prosperity seems to be a natural.”
Later, Trump posted: “They have agreed to immediately meet and quickly work out a ceasefire and, ultimately, peace!” He added that both countries wanted to return to the “Trading Table.”
Trump has linked peace to future trade agreements. He said: “When all is done, and Peace is at hand, I look forward to concluding our Trading Agreements with both!”
He gave no other details about the planned talks.
The embassies of Thailand and Cambodia in Washington did not comment.
Fighting between the two countries continued for a third day. Cambodia has asked for an “immediate ceasefire.”
The border conflict began on Thursday. It includes jets, tanks, artillery, and troops. The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting on Friday.
Trump said: “I am trying to simplify a complex situation! Many people are being killed in this war, but it very much reminds me of the conflict between Pakistan and India, which was brought to a successful halt.”
He again warned both governments that trade deals were off the table during conflict.
Cambodia’s defence ministry said 13 people were dead. This includes eight civilians and five soldiers. Another 71 people were injured.
Thailand said five soldiers were killed on Friday. This brings the Thai toll to 20 — 14 civilians and six military.
The total death toll is now 33. It is higher than the 28 killed in the 2008–2011 border fighting.
A clash took place at 5am (3am PKT) on Saturday. Cambodia accused Thailand of firing “five heavy artillery shells” into Pursat province. It borders Thailand’s Trat province.
Over 138,000 people have been evacuated from Thai border areas. More than 35,000 people have left their homes in Cambodia.
After the UNSC meeting in New York, Cambodia’s UN Ambassador Chhea Keo said: “Cambodia asked for an immediate ceasefire — unconditionally — and we also call for the peaceful solution of the dispute.”
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