Gunboats deployed as Thailand-Cambodia conflict spirals with 33 dead
Thailand said its navy joined the army in repelling Cambodian attacks on Saturday, the third day of deadly border clashes
The new naval deployments reflect a deepening of hostilities after three days of violence that have seen Cambodian rocket attacks kill Thai civilians and Thailand’s military employ cluster munitions, artillery fire and F-16 fighter jets.
US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand had agreed to meet immediately to quickly work out a ceasefire, as he sought to broker peace.
In a series of social media posts during a visit to Scotland, Trump said he had spoken to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting prime minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, and warned them that he would not make trade deals with either of the Southeast Asian governments if the border conflict continued.
“Both Parties are looking for an immediate Ceasefire and Peace,” Trump wrote as he gave a blow-by-blow account of his diplomatic efforts.