LIVE: Thailand, Cambodia resume border clashes before talks | Border Disputes News
Fighting has resumed hours before the countries’ foreign ministers meet in Malaysia to discuss steps to de-escalate hostilities.
Published On 22 Dec 2025
White House Rifts Laid Bare as Trump Aide Wiles Details Internal Clashes
White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles offered an unusually candid look inside President Donald Trump’s second-term administration in comments published by Vanity Fair, drawn from 11 interviews conducted over Trump’s first year back in office. Wiles, a key architect of Trump’s 2024 comeback and the first woman to hold the chief of staff role, spoke about internal disagreements over tariffs, immigration enforcement, government downsizing and the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files. The article prompted an immediate backlash from Wiles and senior officials, who accused the magazine of selectively quoting her remarks.
Why It Matters
The comments highlight the limits of internal restraint in Trump’s White House. While Wiles described herself as a facilitator rather than a check on presidential power, her inability to alter decisions on tariffs, pardons and political retribution underscores how heavily policymaking still rests on Trump’s instincts. The revelations also revive politically sensitive issues, including Epstein-related disclosures and tensions over Elon Musk’s role in dismantling USAID, complicating efforts to project unity and stability.
Trump remains the central figure, with Wiles emerging as both a stabilising force and a focal point of controversy. Vice President JD Vance, Attorney General Pam Bondi and Elon Musk are drawn into the spotlight, reflecting competing centres of influence within the administration. Beyond the White House, trade partners, immigrant communities, congressional leaders and Trump’s political base all have stakes in the policies and internal divisions exposed by the interviews.
What’s Next
The administration is likely to move quickly to contain political fallout and reinforce discipline, but the substance of Wiles’ remarks may continue to resonate. Policy direction appears unchanged, with tariffs, immigration enforcement and confrontational political strategies set to continue. The episode raises fresh questions about whether Trump’s more structured second-term White House can prevent internal tensions from spilling into public view again.
With information from Reuters.
Week in Pictures: From Cambodia-Thailand clashes to protests in Greece | Gaza News
Published On 14 Dec 2025
From the cleanup efforts in Sri Lanka in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah’s destruction to the devastating Myanmar military air attack on a hospital that killed 30 people, here is a look at the week in photos.
Thailand-Cambodia live: Renewed border clashes as fighting enters 2nd week | Border Disputes News
Renewed border clashes between Cambodia and Thailand entered a second week after Bangkok denied US President Donald Trump’s claim that a truce had been agreed to halt the deadly fighting.
Published On 14 Dec 2025
Trump Moves to Reclaim Ceasefire as Thai–Cambodian Clashes Escalate
Border fighting between Thailand and Cambodia has entered its fifth day, marking one of the most violent flare-ups since July. Heavy artillery and rocket exchanges along the 817-km frontier have killed at least 20 people, wounded over 200, and displaced hundreds of thousands.
The clashes come despite a ceasefire earlier this year that U.S. President Donald Trump personally brokered. With the violence worsening, Thailand’s caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed he will speak with Trump late Friday in an effort to restore calm.
WHY IT MATTERS
The renewed fighting threatens regional stability in mainland Southeast Asia and risks escalating into a broader conflict if not contained. Trump is positioning himself once again as a mediator, eager to revive a fragile ceasefire he sees as a diplomatic accomplishment.
For Thailand and Cambodia both navigating domestic political turbulence U.S. involvement may be one of the few external pressures capable of stopping the conflict quickly.
Trump is doubling down on his role as peace-broker, publicly highlighting past successes and pledging to get the ceasefire “back on track.”
Thailand and Cambodia’s militaries are locked in multi-point battles along the border, with commanders facing pressure to halt the humanitarian crisis unfolding.
Civilians on both sides remain the most vulnerable, with tens of thousands displaced and local communities facing days of bombardment.
WHAT’S NEXT
The scheduled call between Trump and Prime Minister Anutin will be the latest attempt to restart diplomacy. Trump also plans separate calls with Cambodian leadership.
Whether these interventions can end the fighting as they did in July remains uncertain. Much will depend on whether both sides are willing to recommit to a ceasefire and allow international monitoring to stabilise the border.
With information from Reuters.