The U.S. President Donald Trump prepares to hold phone discussions with the leaders of both countries, according to a Reuters report. This follows intensifying renewed clashes between the two nations at the border. Early Thursday saw heavy fighting reportedly breaking out near ancient temple complexes.
Officials indicated that renewed hostilities have resulted in at least 15 fatalities, including Thai military personnel and Cambodian civilians. Over 500,000 people, most of whom reside in Thailand, have evacuated from border regions affected by ongoing confrontations involving jets, tanks, and drones.
These recent confrontations mark the worst fighting since a five-day conflict in July that left dozens dead before a fragile ceasefire was negotiated—an agreement reached following diplomatic efforts led by President Trump.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Wednesday, Trump said he expected to talk with the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia to urge an end to the violence. “I think I’m scheduled to speak to them tomorrow,” he said.
According to the Thai army, Cambodian forces launched rockets early Wednesday that landed near Phanom Dong Rak Hospital in Surin province—north of Sa Kaeo—a location previously struck during July’s clashes.
Both Bangkok and Phnom Penh have accused each other of reigniting the crisis, which now encompasses five provinces across both nations.
Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul stated, following the announcement by Trump to the media that he would call the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia today, that he had not yet been informed that Trump would call to discuss ending the border conflict. Additionally, he reaffirmed Thailand’s stance to maintain sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the dignity of the Thai people.
