Thailand and Cambodia agree to ‘unconditional’ ceasefire

“VERY GOOD RESULTS”

US President Donald Trump – whom both nations are courting for trade deals to avert the threat of eye-watering tariffs – intervened over the weekend, and said both sides had agreed to “quickly work out” a truce.

“Today we had a very good meeting and very good results,” said Cambodia’s Hun Manet, thanking Trump for his “decisive” support and saying the truce would serve as “a foundation for future de-escalation”.

Ahead of the summit, Thailand and Cambodia had traded fresh fire and barbed accusations.

Cambodia’s defence ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata said it was “the fifth day that Thailand has invaded Cambodia’s territory with heavy weapons and with the deployment of a lot of troops”.

And as he departed Bangkok airport, Phumtham told reporters he did not believe Cambodia was “acting in good faith”.

After the talks hosted by Anwar – chair of the ASEAN bloc of which both Thailand and Cambodia are members – Phumtham called for the truce to be “carried out in good faith by both sides”.

“Thailand decides for peaceful resolution, while continuing to protect our sovereignty and the lives of our people,” he said.

The United States on Monday welcomed the ceasefire declaration.

“The United States applauds the ceasefire declaration between Cambodia and Thailand announced today in Kuala Lumpur,” said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a statement, adding that Washington helped to organise the talks alongside Malaysia.

“President Trump and I are committed to an immediate cessation of violence and expect the governments of Cambodia and Thailand to fully honor their commitments to end this conflict.”