The talks officially began on Monday, July 28, 2025, and were attended by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and his Thai counterpart, Phumtham Wechayachai. The move follows mounting international pressure, particularly from former U.S. President Donald Trump.

On July 26, Trump took to his Truth Social platform to reveal that he had spoken to both leaders, urging them to halt the violence. He warned that the United States would suspend trade discussions with both countries unless a ceasefire was achieved. “We were in trade negotiations with these countries, but we will not continue while they are engaged in war,” Trump wrote.

Hun Manet called for an immediate ceasefire before the talks could proceed. Thailand’s Phumtham Wechayachai had earlier insisted that Cambodia must first show genuine commitment to de-escalating tensions if negotiations were to move forward.

According to the BBC, 33 people have died since the clashes began, including 14 civilians and 8 Thai soldiers. The Thai military also reported over 100 injuries, while more than 140,000 civilians have been forced to flee to safer areas.

The root of the conflict lies in a long-standing border dispute dating back to 1907, when French colonial authorities defined boundaries that Thailand later rejected. The disagreement involves several culturally significant sites, including temples that both nations claim.

The recent violence escalated on July 23 when five Thai soldiers were injured by landmines planted in the disputed zone. Thailand blamed Cambodia for the incident, and full-scale fighting erupted the following day on July 24.

While challenges remain, the initiation of peace talks signals a hopeful step toward ending more than a century of border tension between the two Southeast Asian neighbors.