Cambodia calls for ceasefire, after call with Trump, Thailand makes shocking statement?

The conflict between Cambodia and Thailand is becoming the most popular topic of public opinion at the moment. Not stopping at negotiations, both countries have used military equipment to 'retaliate' and have recorded casualties.

Thailand and Cambodia expressed their readiness to reach a ceasefire, after the leaders of the two countries had phone calls with US President Trump. "Thailand agrees in principle to establish a ceasefire," the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted on X on the evening of July 26.

The announcement followed a tweet from US President Donald Trump , in which he said he had spoken with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai about the tensions. He said the two sides agreed to meet to “quickly agree” on a ceasefire.

The Thai Foreign Ministry added that Mr Phumtham had asked Mr Trump to "convey to the Cambodian side that Thailand wishes to hold a bilateral dialogue as soon as possible to work out measures and procedures for a ceasefire, as well as to resolve the conflict peacefully".

Regarding Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa stated that if they want to move towards a ceasefire or negotiations, the Cambodian side needs to show "genuine goodwill to end the conflict".

Speaking before the UN meeting, Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura said Bangkok was ready to initiate talks, and Malaysia - currently the rotating chair of ASEAN - could play a facilitating role.

Earlier on July 25, according to AFP news agency, Cambodian Ambassador to the United Nations Chhea Keo announced that his country wanted to reach an "immediate and unconditional ceasefire" with Thailand, after airstrikes and artillery battles between the two countries caused casualties for two consecutive days.

Speaking after a closed-door meeting of the United Nations Security Council attended by representatives of Cambodia and Thailand, Mr. Chhea Keo affirmed: "Cambodia calls for a peaceful solution to the dispute and an immediate ceasefire, without any conditions."

Ambassador Chhea Keo also noted that the United Nations Security Council has called on both sides to "exercise maximum restraint and find a diplomatic solution", which Cambodia is also aiming for.

"Ghost town" appears

The normally bustling streets of Kantharalak district in Sisaket province (Thailand) have now become eerily quiet, turning the place into a "ghost town" as fierce fighting in the Thai-Cambodian border area enters its third day.

Jianuwat Thaalalai, 31, standing in front of the hotel where he works, described the bleak reality: "Almost everyone has gone. It's really a ghost town," adding: "My hotel is still open to accommodate people near the border who need a place to stay."

Clashes between Thailand and Cambodia have escalated as both countries desperately seek diplomatic support, each side claiming its actions were self-defense and calling on the other to cease fire and begin negotiations.

The latest round of violence marks the most serious fighting between the two Southeast Asian nations in 13 years, with dozens killed and more than 130,000 people displaced from their homes.

Tensions continued to escalate as the Royal Thai Navy reported fresh clashes in Trat province – a new front that has emerged more than 100km away from other disputed points along the border.

The two Southeast Asian nations have been locked in a tense standoff since late May 2025, when a Cambodian soldier was killed in a brief clash. People evacuated from the Thai-Cambodian border conflict gather at a refugee camp in Ubon Ratchathani province, Thailand, on July 25, 2025.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for restraint as the Security Council met behind closed doors on July 25 (New York time) to discuss what officials called the most serious escalation between the two neighbors in more than a decade.

More than 131,000 people in Thailand and more than 4,000 in Cambodia have been forced to flee their homes, according to UN relief partners.

Temporary shelters - including schools and mosques - are said to be overwhelmed, with urgent needs including food, medical assistance and hygiene supplies. UN Secretary-General's deputy spokeswoman Stephanie Tremblay said the UN stands ready to support humanitarian efforts if requested.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) called for "maximum restraint". The agency stressed the need to protect young children and the essential services they need, in accordance with international law and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Thailand - Cambodia: Suspended Prime Minister makes shocking statement, closes tourist spot JLO18:01:21 24/07/2025Reuters news agency quoted Thai Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin as saying that attacks from Cambodia on July 24 killed at least 11 civilians and 1 Thai soldier.