The border between Thailand and Cambodia has witnessed a dangerous escalation in the armed conflict, now in its third day, with fierce clashes that have left 33 dead and displaced over 130,000 civilians, in the worst confrontations between the two neighbors in 13 years.
The fighting fronts have expanded to include the coastal Trat region in Thailand and the Preah Vihear province in Cambodia, causing international concern.
In an attempt to contain the crisis, U.S. President Donald Trump intervened, announcing through his social media accounts an agreement between the leaders of both countries to hold an urgent meeting to halt the ceasefire.
Trump warned Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and Acting Thai Prime Minister Wongsakorn of Washington's intention to halt any trade deals with any party that continues the conflict.
Trump emphasized his efforts to simplify the complex situation that has led to numerous casualties, noting that the conflict reminds him of the successful conflict resolution between India and Pakistan.
Meanwhile, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs tentatively agreed to the ceasefire, while emphasizing the need for Cambodia to show genuine intent to reach a peaceful solution.
The ministry explained that the Thai Prime Minister requested Trump to convey his country's desire to initiate rapid bilateral dialogue to establish final measures to halt the fighting.
These developments come amid the suffering of civilians who have fled their homes due to the clashes that have threatened the region's stability and raised fears of a broader escalation that could impact Southeast Asia as a whole.