US President Donald Trump has urged Thailand and Cambodia to recommit to peace after renewed clashes threatened to collapse a regional truce. The White House said Friday that Trump held separate calls with both governments following midweek violence.
The October 26 peace deal, signed during Trump’s Asia visit, had been touted as a diplomatic success — one he publicly linked to his ambitions for global recognition. But optimism faded when Thailand withdrew from the truce after a landmine explosion.
The situation worsened when both sides accused each other of fresh confrontations. Cambodian officials said one civilian died in the latest outbreak, adding urgency to US-led efforts to calm tensions.
Malaysia, which helped broker the agreement and hosted its signing, was also included in Trump’s outreach. Kuala Lumpur continues to serve as a key intermediary as violence threatens to re-escalate.
The border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia dates back more than a century, yet this year’s violence was among the deadliest in recent times. Five days of fighting earlier this year left 43 dead and forced around 300,000 people from their homes.