Despite Trump’s Ceasefire Call, Thailand-Cambodia Clash Continues With Thai Navy Deploying Gunboats

A ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia doesn’t seem to be happening anytime soon as the former has now deployed its navy in the conflict. After Cambodia’s calls for an “immediate ceasefire”, Thailand has said its navy is joining the army in countering any attacks.

The latest development comes as the Southeast Asian countries’ border clash continues on their disputed border, claiming around 30 lives.

Announcing the induction of its navy in the clashes with Cambodia, Thailand stated that it stands firm in defending its sovereignty. “Aggression will not be tolerated,” Bloomberg quoted the Thai Defense Ministry as saying.

Why has Thai navy joining the fight against Cambodia?

The induction of Thai navy in the border dispute comes after the incursion of Cambodian troops at 3 different points in Trat province in Thailand’s east, according to the Thai Defense Ministry, which added that their naval counter-operation pushed back Cambodian soldiers encroaching on their territory.

Gunboats are now patrolling Thailand’s province bordering Cambodia as the conflict between the two nations intensifies further, entering the third day.

Trump’s trade and ceasefire talks yield no result?

After Cambodia’s statement that they want a ceasefire, US President Donald Trump too stepped in, claiming that the warring nations want peace and are eager to continue trade with the United States. “I just had a very good call with the Prime Minister of Cambodia, and informed him of my discussions with Thailand, and its Acting Prime Minister.”

Both Parties are looking for an immediate Ceasefire and Peace. They are also looking to get back to the “Trading Table” with the United States, which we think is inappropriate to do until such time as the fighting STOPS, Trump wrote on social media.

However, this didn’t seem to have worked as the countries are still continuing to engaged in the fight.

How Thailand and Cambodia reacted to Trump’s truce talks post?

Hours after Trump’s social media post, Thailand’s government said it was “not ready” to stop military operations and claimed Cambodia is firing heavy artillery at civilian areas in its Surin province, on the border and other areas. It stated that any cessation of hostilities cannot be reached while Cambodia is repeatedly violating the basic principles of human rights and humanitarian law.

Thailand’s acting PM Phumtham Wechayachai on Sunday (July 27) rejected a mediation from any third country but was “thankful” for Trump’s “concern.”

“We’ve proposed a bilateral between our foreign ministers, to conclude what conditions (would be) for ceasefire and drawing back troops and long range firing weapons,” Phumtham said at a press conference, adding that “soldiers will continue to do their job at full steam”.

Did Trump threaten Cambodia and Thailand with tariffs?

In what apparently has been his policy in the last few 5-6 months, Trump once again said that he had warned the Thai and Cambodia leaders that he would not make trade deals with either country if the deadly border conflict continues. Earlier this month, he even wrote letters to Thailand and Cambodia threatening a 36% tariff on their exports to the US.