Bangkok: Thailand’s prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Friday that he will speak with United States President Donald Trump later in the day as fighting with Cambodia continues to escalate along the shared border. The call is expected to focus on restoring calm after nearly a week of intense clashes that have displaced thousands of people and caused rising concern in the region.
Heavy exchanges of artillery and drone strikes have been reported in several provinces on both sides of the border. Military officials say the conflict has now spread beyond the initial flashpoints, with both countries accusing each other of violating earlier ceasefire agreements. Reports indicate that more than 20 people have been killed and hundreds injured since the fighting began.
The renewed violence follows the collapse of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord signed in October. That agreement, brokered with international support including participation by President Trump, had aimed to ease long standing tensions. The deal fell apart after both sides accused each other of breaking the ceasefire, leading to a rapid return to armed clashes.
Prime minister Anutin said he hopes the upcoming conversation with President Trump will help guide both countries back to talks. Trump has publicly expressed his intention to intervene again and has said he will call leaders from both nations to urge a halt to the fighting.
The border crisis comes at a complex moment for Thailand. Parliament has been dissolved and the country is preparing for early elections next year. Anutin is currently leading a caretaker government, which places additional pressure on his administration as it works to manage both the conflict and domestic political uncertainty.
Humanitarian agencies report that hundreds of thousands of people have left their homes to escape the fighting. Shelters near the border are crowded as families seek safety from shelling and air strikes. Authorities warn that the situation may worsen if diplomatic efforts do not gain momentum soon.
Both Thailand and Cambodia have said they remain open to dialogue but have also continued military operations. Regional observers note that the coming days will be critical in determining whether the conflict moves toward de escalation or a deeper crisis.