Donald Trump said on Saturday he had held talks with the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand, as the two countries sought an “immediate ceasefire” following border clashes.
At the beginning of a private visit to his Scottish golf courses, the US president wrote on Truth Social that both nations “have agreed to immediately meet and quickly work out a Ceasefire and, ultimately, PEACE!”.
He added that he looked forward to resuming trade talks with Cambodia and Thailand though it wasn’t appropriate to hold such discussions until the “fighting STOPS”.
At least 33 soldiers and civilians have been killed while thousands of Thai and Cambodian nationals have been displaced since fighting broke out on 24 July.
Trump’s intervention emerged a week before US tariffs on Cambodia and Thailand are due to come into force.
From 1 August, businesses in the US shipping in goods from Thailand or Cambodia will have to pay a 36% tax unless an agreement can be reached before then.
Earlier on Saturday, Cambodia had already called for “immediate” ceasefire with Thailand.
Maris Sangiampongsa, Thailand’s foreign minister, said its neighbour needed to show “genuine sincerity in ending the conflict” for talks to proceed.
After teeing off at his luxury resort Trump Turnberry in South Ayrshire, the US president said that he had spoken to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting Prime Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai.
“When all is done, and peace is at hand, I look forward to concluding our Trading Agreements with both!” Trump wrote.
