DONALD Trump has claimed on Truth Social that Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to a second ceasefire following talks with the U.S. President.
The Southeast Asian nations have been engaged in a series of deadly exchanges since Monday.
This week’s unrest, which included the firing of rockets and artillery, has killed at least 20 people and wounded more than 260.
Hundreds of thousands more have been displaced on both sides of the border.
In an effort to end the hostilities, Trump spoke with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Premier Hun Manet, aiming to salvage a ceasefire he brokered earlier this year.
In July, similar fighting had erupted before a brief accord was reached at the end of the month.
Read more about the conflct
FLARING TENSIONS
Airstrikes rock Thailand & Cambodia as clashes threaten Trump peace deal
PEACE DEAL
Thailand & Cambodia agree unconditional CEASEFIRE on Trump’s orders
It was formalised in more detail in more detail in October at a meeting in Malaysia attended by Trump.
Thailand suspended this deal after one of its soldiers was injured by a landmine it claims was newly laid by Cambodia, an allegation it strongly denies.
After the latest conflict resumed, Trump wrote on Truth Social: “They have agreed to CEASE all shooting effective this evening, and go back to the original Peace Accord.
“Both countries are ready for PEACE and continue trade with the United States of America.”
Speaking from the Oval Office today, Trump said that Thailand and Cambodia were in “good shape”.
However, his upbeat tone contrasted with that of the Thai leader.
Anutin said the call “went well” but did not confirm any agreement to stop fighting.
He told reporters that Trump had urged Cambodia to end hostilities, withdraw troops, and remove landmines.
“I explained to President Trump that we are not the aggressor against Cambodia but we are retaliating,” Anutin said.
“He wants a ceasefire. I told him to tell our friends – don’t just say a ceasefire, but they must tell the world that Cambodia will cease fire, withdraw its troops, and remove all landmines it has planted.
“They must show us first.”
Cambodia has yet to issue a statement about the talks.
The discussions come amid Trump’s repeated self-declared reputation as a global peacemaker, having lauded himself for “solving eight wars” and claiming he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize.
Although Trump expressed confidence in getting the truce “back on track,” it remains unclear whether he can secure a cessation of hostilities as easily as in July.
He has also used steep trade tariffs as leverage, suggesting that negotiations on tariffs could resume once fighting ended.
Thailand’s foreign minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, rejected the use of tariffs as pressure.
Thailand suspended the ceasefire deal after one of its soldiers was injured by a landmine it claims was newly laid by Cambodia, an allegation Cambodia strongly denies.
Fighting continued on Friday, with Cambodia accusing Thailand of shelling multiple sites, including areas near ancient temples.
Thailand has deployed jet fighters to carry out airstrikes on what it claims are military targets.
In response, Cambodia has deployed BM-21 rocket launchers which have a range of 19 to 25 miles.
“The heroic Cambodian forces will continue to stand strong, brave, and steadfast in their ongoing fight against the aggressors,” its defense ministry said.
Thailand’s military, meanwhile, accused Cambodia of encroachment and said it was “compelled to exercise its right to self-defence.”