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.