Thailand seeks bilateral dialogue for ceasefire with Cambodia

​​​​​​​By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) - Thailand said Saturday it agreed “in principle” to a ceasefire with Cambodia following a call between Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and US President Donald Trump, according to a statement from the Thai Foreign Ministry.

Phumtham thanked Trump for his concern about the conflict, which erupted earlier this week, and noted that Thailand supports a ceasefire but seeks “sincere intention” from Cambodia.

The acting prime minister urged Trump to pass along Thailand’s request to Cambodia for immediate talks to outline mechanisms for a ceasefire and eventual peaceful resolution.

Thailand wants to “convene a bilateral dialogue as soon as possible.”

Fighting between the two neighbors began in Pursat province near the border, resulting in the deaths of 13 Cambodian nationals, including five soldiers, and injuries to dozens, according to Cambodian officials.

Trump had said that Cambodia and Thailand agreed to promptly start ceasefire negotiations after three days of a deadly armed conflict.

"Both Parties are looking for an immediate Ceasefire and Peace ... They have agreed to immediately meet and quickly work out a Ceasefire and, ultimately, PEACE," Trump, who is currently in Scotland, wrote on Truth Social after speaking with the leaders of the two countries.