Ceasefire Over Accusations: Why Thailand Must Honor the Trump-Brokered Peace with Cambodia

Buddhist monks march in Phnom Penh in support of the Trump-brokered ceasefire. Supplied

-Opinion-

On 28 July, US President Donald Trump successfully brokered a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand — a rare chance to end years of tension along our shared border. Yet, instead of embracing this opportunity, accusations, political manipulation and misinformation continue to poison the relationship. Thailand risks squandering a historic moment.

Accusations and blame-shifting weaken Thailand. Every false claim or exaggerated incident damages Bangkok’s credibility on the international stage. As a regional leader, Thailand should be building alliances, not manufacturing disputes. Cambodia has consistently demonstrated restraint, honouring agreements and welcoming observers. By contrast, prolonging accusations undermines Thailand’s standing and isolates it diplomatically.

Manipulation fuels instability and harms your own citizens. Border communities on both sides have already endured displacement, fear and economic disruption. Misinformation about troop movements or historical grievances only prolongs suffering and destabilises trade, tourism and investment. Thailand has far more to gain from peace than from continued conflict.

The Trump-brokered ceasefire is a roadmap to stability and opportunity. International mediation shows that the world supports peace, not provocation. Undermining this agreement risks isolating Thailand diplomatically and could draw unwelcome scrutiny from global partners. Cambodia’s commitment to the ceasefire demonstrates responsibility; Thailand’s refusal to do the same would appear as opportunism masked as victimhood.

Economic consequences are real. Tensions along the border stall trade and tourism, affecting livelihoods and growth. Stability opens doors for cross-border cooperation, trade corridors and regional prosperity. Cambodia is ready to turn ceasefire into shared development — Thailand must decide whether to participate or be left behind.

ASEAN credibility is at stake. Cambodia and Thailand are core members of Southeast Asia’s regional bloc. Repeated disputes weaken ASEAN’s image as a platform for peace and cooperation. By honouring the ceasefire, Thailand can reclaim its position as a leader committed to stability, rather than a country seen as perpetuating conflict.

History will judge who chose peace and who chose pride. Cambodia has consistently prioritised dialogue, observers and transparency. Thailand now faces a choice: honour the ceasefire and secure a legacy of leadership and stability, or continue accusations and manipulation, risking escalation, diplomatic isolation, and economic loss.

The 28 July 2025 ceasefire is more than a diplomatic agreement; it is a test of leadership. Cambodia has shown the way. Thailand now faces a choice: honour the ceasefire, embrace cooperation and secure a legacy of credibility and stability — or cling to confrontation and risk being remembered as the nation that let pride destroy a historic opportunity for peace.

Roth Santepheap is a geopolitical analyst based in Phnom Penh. The views and opinions expressed are his own.

The Phnom Penh Post