TURNBERRY, United Kingdom — U.S. President Donald Trump announced Saturday he has engaged in direct talks with the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand to broker an immediate ceasefire in their intensifying border conflict, which has claimed at least 33 lives over three days of clashes.

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High-Level Diplomatic Push

From his golf resort in Scotland, Trump revealed on social media that he separately spoke with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. “Both want an immediate ceasefire and peace,” Trump posted on Truth Social, adding he would relay Thailand’s position back to Cambodia. The president framed the conflict as reminiscent of past India-Pakistan tensions, noting his administration’s prior success in de-escalating regional disputes.

Trade Leverage as Incentive

Trump explicitly linked the ceasefire efforts to ongoing U.S. trade negotiations with both nations. “We won’t make deals with countries at war,” he declared on X (formerly Twitter), applying economic pressure to halt hostilities. The warning carries weight for Thailand, which exported $49 billion in goods to the U.S. in 2023, and Cambodia, whose $9 billion garment industry relies heavily on American markets.

🚨 BREAKING: President Trump just said he is CURRENTLY working to stop the war between Cambodia and Thailand.

This comes as he was seen on the golf course in Scotland.

THIS GUY NEVER STOPS.

Trump says he is using the USA's trade leverage to call a ceasefire. Masterclass.… pic.twitter.com/ONi7WAqrlL

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) July 26, 2025

Conflict Spreads to Coastal Zone

The diplomatic flurry followed reports of fresh fighting in the Gulf of Thailand coastal region, 160 miles southwest of the original jungle-fronted battle zones near ancient temple sites. Artillery duels have displaced thousands in rural border areas where rubber and rice farms dominate the landscape.

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Uncertain Path to Peace

While Trump expressed optimism — “Ceasefire, peace, and prosperity seems natural” — neither Phnom Penh nor Bangkok has issued official statements confirming the talks. The conflict, rooted in century-old territorial disputes, previously saw UN intervention in 2013. With Trump’s mediation marking the first major third-party involvement in the current crisis, regional observers remain cautious.

-Thailand News (TN)