WASHINGTON, D.C. – United States President Donald Trump has sought to calm fears of renewed instability along the Cambodia-Thailand border, declaring that “Cambodia and Thailand are going to be fine” after holding separate calls with both governments.
The reassurance followed reports of heightened tensions in recent days, despite a peace framework agreed under the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord last month.
Trump confirmed he had spoken directly with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, urging both leaders to maintain dialogue and avoid escalation.
“I stopped a war just today,” Trump told reporters at the White House, insisting his intervention prevented further clashes.
He added that both sides had expressed readiness to continue diplomatic efforts rather than resorting to military confrontation.
Cambodia and Thailand have long disputed sections of their shared frontier, with sporadic violence flaring up over contested territory.
Earlier this week, Cambodian officials accused Thai forces of opening fire near Prey Chan village in Banteay Meanchey province, resulting in civilian casualties.
Thailand rejected the claim, saying its troops responded defensively after Cambodian soldiers initiated gunfire.
The Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord Framework, signed in October during the 47th ASEAN Summit, had been hailed as a breakthrough after months of deadly clashes displaced thousands.
The agreement called for joint patrols and demining operations, but implementation has been fragile, with both sides trading accusations of ceasefire violations.
Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who played a mediating role as ASEAN Chair, welcomed Trump’s involvement, noting that both Cambodia and Thailand had withdrawn military units from the border in line with the treaty.
Anwar emphasised that Malaysia continues to encourage dialogue as the most effective path to resolution.
Regional analysts caution that while Trump’s intervention may have temporarily eased tensions, the underlying territorial disputes remain unresolved.
Humanitarian organisations have raised concerns for displaced families, urging sustained cooperation to prevent further suffering.
For now, Trump’s confident assertion that “Cambodia and Thailand are going to be fine” reflects optimism that diplomacy can hold, though observers warn the situation remains delicate.
