President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to withhold trade deals with governments of Thailand and Cambodia as the two plunge deeper into a deadly border conflict that has left at least 32 people dead and tens of thousands of civilians displaced. Trump made it clear on Saturday that future trade agreements with either country could be off the table if the violence continues.
In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump revealed that he had spoken directly with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. The goal of the calls, according to the president, was to urge an immediate ceasefire and the restoration of peace along the tense border.
“We happen to be, by coincidence, currently dealing on Trade with both Countries, but do not want to make any Deal, with either Country, if they are fighting — And I have told them so,” Trump wrote.
The fighting erupted earlier this week after five Thai soldiers were reportedly injured by a land mine explosion near the border. Since then, the violence has escalated into a full-scale exchange of artillery and ground skirmishes. According to the Associated Press, the death toll has risen to 19 in Thailand and 13 in Cambodia.
Trump compared the crisis to the recent conflict between Pakistan and India, in which the U.S. played a behind-the-scenes role in de-escalation. “Many people are being killed in this War, but it very much reminds me of the Conflict between Pakistan and India, which was brought to a successful halt,” Trump said.
The president, who is currently in Scotland, said that his conversations with both leaders were productive. In a follow-up post, he noted that Thailand was open to immediate de-escalation. “Thailand, like Cambodia, wants to have an immediate Ceasefire, and PEACE. I am now going to relay that message back to the Prime Minister of Cambodia,” Trump wrote. “After speaking to both Parties, Ceasefire, Peace, and Prosperity seems to be a natural. We will soon see!”
He later added that both nations were interested in resuming trade discussions with the United States — a possibility Trump swiftly shut down until a ceasefire is in place. “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,” he said. “They have agreed to immediately meet and quickly work out a Ceasefire and, ultimately, PEACE! It was an Honor to deal with both Countries.”
Trump emphasized the long cultural history shared between the two nations and said he was hopeful they could resolve their differences and move toward long-term stability. “They have a long and storied History and Culture. They will hopefully get along for many years to come. When all is done, and Peace is at hand, I look forward to concluding our Trading Agreements with both!”
Trump’s remarks come amid broader efforts by his administration to impose reciprocal tariffs on foreign nations. Both Thailand and Cambodia are facing a 36% tariff rate starting August 1, as part of a sweeping economic reset to put America first in global trade.