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President Trump took a victory lap Monday after Cambodia and Thailand reached a cease-fire deal to stop deadly fighting that erupted between the two Southeast Asian neighbors last week.
On Saturday, the president had called up the leaders of the two countries and halted trade negotiations with them in a bid to stop the conflict. Cambodia and Thailand agreed an “unconditional” ceasefire that would be effective at 12 a.m. local time Tuesday.
“I am pleased to announce that, after the involvement of President Donald J. Trump, both Countries have reached a CEASEFIRE and PEACE. Congratulations to all!” Trump, 79, proclaimed on Truth Social.
“By ending this War, we have saved thousands of lives. I have instructed my Trade Team to restart negotiations on Trade. I have now ended many Wars in just six months — I am proud to be the President of PEACE!”
Trump said he spoke on the phone with Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet before touting the deal publicly.
The deal was first announced by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who hosted in-person talks between the two countries, several hours before Trump made his post.
Since fighting erupted Thursday, at least 38 people have been killed and hundreds of thousands of civilians have been forced to evacuate disputed border region.
Thailand has alleged that Cambodia launched rockets into civilian areas within its borders, prompting it to scramble F-16 fighter jets.
Meanwhile, Cambodia has claimed that soldiers from Thailand shot at its troops first during an encounter at Prasat Ta Muen Thom, an 11th century Hindu temple claimed by both countries.
The last time major fighting broke out between the two sides was in 2011, but the countries have frequently clashed since Cambodia gained independence from France in 1953.
“I’m using trade to make peace,” Trump boasted Sunday during an exclusive interview on Miranda Devine’s “Pod Force One” podcast.
“We were doing a deal, we’re getting ready to sign it, and I’m saying we’re not signing it unless you make a deal with your next-door neighbor, which is a very good neighbor,” Trump said, referring to trade negotiations with Cambodia. “They’ve been neighbors for a long time, but they’ve had some fights.”
If no agreement is reached by Aug. 1, most imports to the US from both countries will be slapped with a 36% tariff.
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