Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has announced that he spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump following the ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, expressing his confidence that the situation will unfold positively. However, clashes intensified and explosions continued until midnight, when the ceasefire officially took effect.

Upon his return from Malaysia, the Acting PM told the media that both Thailand and Cambodia agreed to a ceasefire. In addition, he revealed that he had a phone conversation with the US President, who called to admire Thailand’s courageous role in reaching the agreement and maintaining peace for both countries.

Phumtham said he expressed his gratitude to the U.S. President for facilitating a peaceful resolution. Due to the smooth discussion, he believed that the ceasefire agreement would not only strengthen regional peace but also pave the way for favourable trade negotiations with the US.

Meanwhile, President Trump posted a message after his phone conversation with the Acting Thai PM, expressing his delight that both countries agreed a ceasefire due to his involvement, and he also said that he will proceed with trade negotiations.

When asked about the continuing attacks, Phumtham said he believed they would end at midnight, as agreed, given the positive atmosphere of the talks and strong international support. He also added that if Cambodia fails to comply with the agreement, the international community will take the Thai side.

In terms of international observers, he said Thailand was praised for its generosity and commitment to promoting peace and cooperation. Moreover, Thailand has been recognized for its commitment to turning its words into actions.

The Acting PM strongly believed that the situation would unfold positively.

According to a report from the Royal Thai Government, Phumtham reaffirmed that the talks did not address the disputed 1:200,000 map nor the opening or closing of border crossings.

Following a meeting on 28 July mediated by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the current ASEAN Chair, Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an unconditional ceasefire starting from midnight.

Military commanders from both countries will also meet at 7.00 am on Tuesday (29 July) and both countries will convene a meeting of the General Border Committee on 4 August. The ceasefire came after five days of clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border, which resulted in civilian casualties on both sides.

Since the clashes erupted on 24 July, 14 Thai civilians have been killed and at least 190,000 people in Surin, Ubon Ratchathani, Buriram, and Sisaket provinces have been displaced.

However, after both parties agreed a ceasefire, it was reported that the artillery exchanges intensified, particularly at the Ta Kwai Temple. The death toll among Thai military personnel has risen to 11, following the deaths of two more soldiers in the clashes on Monday (28 July). Ongoing explosions were reported in the disputed area in the last minutes before the ceasefire took effect.