BANGKOK, Thailand – Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, currently serving as acting Prime Minister, reiterated Thailand’s firm stance following a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump: Cambodia must show genuine intent for peace before any ceasefire can proceed. Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa is set to hold talks with his Cambodian counterpart this afternoon.
Phumtham stated that a key condition for a ceasefire is the complete withdrawal of Cambodian troops and long-range weaponry from all contested areas. This, he said, is essential to guarantee the safety of Thai civilians and protect national interests. He emphasized that Thai military forces will remain fully operational along the border until negotiations yield clear results.
Phumtham added that Trump’s ceasefire proposal was linked to upcoming U.S. tariff measures, which may affect both Thailand and Cambodia. He confirmed that Trump initiated the call and that several senior Thai officials were present during the discussion, including: Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Phichai Chunhavachira, Prime Minister’s Secretary-General Dr. Prommin Lertsuridej, and Deputy Defense Minister Gen. Natthaphon Nakpanich (acting Minister of Defense).
The meeting involved coordination with the Royal Thai Army and was conducted with input from all relevant national security sectors.
Phumtham noted that President Trump was not the only world leader to reach out. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, as current ASEAN Chair, also phoned Phumtham recently, expressing similar concerns and urging peace to protect civilians and prevent further loss of life.
“We’ve always stood by peaceful solutions,” Phumtham said, “but Cambodian rockets struck civilian areas without military targets. We only responded against legitimate military positions, including rocket bases firing on Thai territory.”
He reported that at least 15 Thai civilians were killed, more than 50 injured, and over 130,000 people have been evacuated. Provincial governors were instructed to evacuate all high-risk zones.
Trump reportedly conveyed that continued hostilities would hinder trade talks with both nations. Phumtham responded that Thailand has no objection, as the principle of national defense and civilian safety remains paramount. He stressed again that Thailand seeks assurances of sincerity from Cambodia, not mere words, but clear actions—particularly military withdrawal and disarmament from the conflict zone.
The Thai side emphasized that it does not seek intervention by a third country, but welcomes the goodwill of international partners. Phumtham said U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to work on the next steps for brokering a ceasefire, including monitoring withdrawal of troops and long-range artillery.
When asked about the timing of bilateral talks with Cambodia, Phumtham said they may begin around noon today, depending on arrangements. In the meantime, he and the Foreign Minister will visit Trat province, where a new front has recently opened.
Phumtham urged the public not to panic, acknowledging the hardship faced by border residents. He condemned Cambodia’s actions as a violation of international law, particularly attacks on civilians, and called it “an international crime.”
He also warned social media users to avoid sharing sensitive military operation images, which could aid the enemy and put soldiers at risk. “The situation is chaotic,” he admitted, but assured that the military has been authorized to act as needed, particularly in emergency-declared zones like Chanthaburi and Trat.
“Until an agreement is reached, our military will do their duty fully to protect civilians and national interests,” he said. “Any ceasefire must be tied to verifiable steps, especially troop withdrawal.”
He affirmed that Thailand has always advocated for peace, while Cambodia only recently called for a ceasefire—even as it accuses Thailand of aggression. However, international observers and media now appear to recognize that Cambodia initiated the conflict, and that Thailand is defending its sovereignty in accordance with international law.
Regarding the U.S. tariff measures set to take effect August 1, Phumtham said Thailand has no objection, adding: “When a ceasefire begins, we’ll inform all parties. The U.S. understands the ceasefire benefits global peace and civilian protection.”
He expressed appreciation for the efforts of Malaysia, China, and the U.S., all of whom have offered assistance with concern for civilian lives. “We are committed to peace, but we must defend our sovereignty and people. Once Cambodia shows sincerity, we are ready to negotiate.”
Asked whether negotiations could conclude before August 1, Phumtham said it depends on Cambodia’s willingness. Talks must be followed by military-level consultations due to the vast 800-kilometer border, which has seen Cambodian hostilities from Chong Bok to Trat. Even if a ceasefire is declared, he said, detailed mechanisms must be agreed on how forces and weaponry will be withdrawn. (TNA)
