Thailand and Cambodia Ceasefire: Trump Brokers Peace Deal for 260,000 Displaced

In a significant step toward peace, Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to a ceasefire, ending a violent border conflict that displaced over 260,000 people and claimed at least 35 lives. President Donald Trump announced the breakthrough on Monday, crediting the resolution to trade negotiations and his direct involvement with the leaders of both nations.

The conflict erupted last Thursday following a land mine explosion that injured five Thai soldiers, sparking clashes as each side pointed fingers at the other. Trump, speaking from Scotland, emphasized the historical tensions between the two countries, noting their intermittent conflicts over centuries. He proudly stated, "We solved that war through trade," highlighting his strategy of leveraging economic ties to halt the violence.

Under the ceasefire terms, military commanders from both sides will commence talks on Tuesday to ease tensions, while a border committee meeting is slated for August 4 in Cambodia. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim revealed that foreign and defense ministers from Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand are tasked with crafting a detailed plan to sustain this fragile peace.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, alongside Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, expressed hope for rebuilding trust and cooperation. Meanwhile, Trump celebrated the outcome on Truth Social, declaring, "By ending this War, we have saved thousands of lives," and touting his role in ending multiple conflicts within months.

The U.S. administration, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has hailed the ceasefire, with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt even suggesting Trump deserves a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts. As talks progress, the focus now shifts to ensuring this truce holds, offering a glimmer of hope to the thousands uprooted by the violence.