US President Donald Trump said Friday he believes the border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia is “going to be fine” after he held phone calls with the leaders of the two Southeast Asian nations to help mediate the latest escalation.
“I spoke to the prime ministers of both countries and they’re doing great. I think they’re going to be fine,” President Trump told reporters on Friday evening.
The presidential intervention follows a recent flare-up in tensions, which saw Thailand suspend a US-brokered ceasefire deal earlier this week. Bangkok made the move after demanding an apology from Phnom Penh over allegations that Cambodia had laid fresh landmines, a charge that Cambodia has denied.
In a separate interview with the British network GB News on Friday, President Trump alluded to his recent diplomatic efforts, stating in reference to world conflicts, “I think I settled one today,” without providing further details on the matter. A White House official also confirmed that President Trump engaged with Malaysia on Friday regarding the situation.
The long-running tensions over the disputed border had previously erupted into five days of fighting in July, which resulted in the deaths of at least 48 people and temporarily displaced an estimated 300,000 residents. That initial ceasefire was brokered by President Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.