Saturday, March 29, 2025
Updated: December 10, 2025, 09:15
US President Donald Trump has announced that he is stepping into the escalating conflict between Cambodia and Thailand, claiming he will personally intervene to stop the fighting between the two Southeast Asian nations.
Speaking publicly, Trump—who has repeatedly claimed credit for stopping eight wars worldwide—said the two countries had once again descended into open conflict along their shared border.
“I hate to say this, but Cambodia and Thailand have started fighting again today,” Trump said. “Tomorrow, I’m going to have to make a phone call. I will call, and I will stop the war between two very powerful countries—Thailand and Cambodia. They are fighting each other again. But I will do it. That’s why we believe in peace through strength.”
The situation deteriorated sharply on December 7, when Cambodian forces reportedly launched an attack in the Phu Pha Lek–Plan Hin Pat Kon area of Kantharalak district in Thailand’s Si Sa Ket province, which lies along the Cambodia–Thailand border.
In response, Thailand carried out retaliatory airstrikes, significantly escalating the confrontation.
On December 8, fresh clashes were reported in the Chong An Ma area of Nam Yuen district, located in Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani province. These incidents included both ground fighting and aerial attacks, prompting both countries to deploy fighter jets along the border.
Trump’s remarks suggest a hands-on diplomatic approach, with the US president portraying himself as a decisive mediator capable of halting the conflict through direct communication with the leadership of both nations.
While no confirmation has yet emerged from Cambodian or Thai officials regarding Trump’s proposed intervention, his comments have drawn global attention, especially given the rapid militarization of the border and the deployment of air power by both sides.
The renewed fighting has raised alarms across Southeast Asia, a region that has long witnessed intermittent tensions between Cambodia and Thailand over disputed border areas. Any prolonged conflict risks destabilizing the region and disrupting economic and security cooperation.
With both sides hardening their military posture, the international community will be closely watching whether diplomatic efforts—particularly Washington’s involvement—can prevent the situation from spiraling into a broader war.
As hostilities continue, Trump’s promised “phone call” is now being viewed as a potential flashpoint for de-escalation—or further political grandstanding—in one of Asia’s most sensitive border disputes.
