Trump promises to 'make phone call' to end Cambodia-Thailand conflict
What's the story
United States President Donald Trump has promised to intervene in the ongoing conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. The fighting, which is now in its third day, has displaced over 500,000 people in the two countries, according to a report by Reuters. Both countries are blaming each other for escalating tensions over disputed border territories and ancient temples.
Conflict resolution
Trump highlights past conflict resolutions
Speaking at a rally in Pennsylvania, Trump said he would "make a phone call" to stop the war between Thailand and Cambodia. Trump was highlighting several conflicts he claimed to have helped resolve when he said, "I hate to say this one, named Cambodia-Thailand, and it started up today, and tomorrow I am going to have to make a phone call." He had brokered a ceasefire earlier, after five days of fighting that killed at least 48 people.
Ceasefire details
Ceasefire brokered with trade negotiations
In July, Trump had used trade negotiations as leverage to broker a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia. The agreement was facilitated by Malaysia and also supported diplomatically by China. However, Reuters reported Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow as saying that he didn't believe tariffs should be used to pressure Thailand into talks.
Escalation
Renewed fighting spreads to 5 provinces
According to AFP, the renewed fighting has spread to five provinces across Thailand and Cambodia. Both sides have accused each other of provoking the violence. The two Southeast Asian neighbors have long disputed the colonial-era demarcation of their 800-kilometer frontier, where competing claims over historic temples have repeatedly sparked armed clashes.
Military actions
Thailand's military strategy and Cambodia's defensive action
Thailand has made it clear that it aims to cripple Cambodia's military capability. A top general said on Monday that the army's objective was to "cripple Cambodia's military capability for a long time to come." On the other hand, Cambodia accused Thailand of "indiscriminately and brutally targeting civilian residential areas" with artillery shells, allegations Bangkok rejected.