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UNITED STATES President Donald Trump has publicly commended Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his instrumental role in brokering a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia, following a resurgence of deadly border clashes.
Speaking on social media, Trump described his “very good conversation” with Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet regarding the recent reawakening of the long-standing border dispute.
“They have agreed to CEASE all shooting effective this evening, and go back to the original peace accord made with me, and them, with the help of the Great Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim,” Trump wrote.
The US President characterised a roadside bomb that killed and injured Thai soldiers as an accident but acknowledged that “Thailand nevertheless retaliated very strongly.”
Despite Trump’s call for a truce, AFP reported that Cambodian authorities indicated Thailand continued aerial bombardments hours later, underscoring lingering tensions.
The dispute, rooted in a colonial-era demarcation of the countries’ roughly 800-kilometre frontier, has displaced nearly half a million people on both sides and claimed at least 23 lives since Monday.
Both nations are members of the ten-member ASEAN bloc, emphasising the broader regional importance of the ceasefire for diplomatic and economic stability.
Trump affirmed that both Thailand and Cambodia are now “prepared for peace and continued trade with the US,” and expressed his personal satisfaction in mediating with the two leaders.
“It is my honour to work with Anutin and Hun in resolving what could have evolved into a major war between two otherwise wonderful and prosperous countries,” he added.
In a pointed expression of gratitude, Trump singled out Malaysia’s Prime Minister, stating, “I would like to thank the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, for his assistance in this very important matter,” highlighting Malaysia’s emerging role as a key regional mediator in Southeast Asian diplomacy. - December 13, 2025
