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As violence between Cambodia and Thailand enters its third day, former U.S. President Donald Trump is stepping in — not with diplomacy, but with tariffs.
So far, over 33 people have died and more than 168,000 have been displaced due to the conflict. Trump has warned both nations that unless they halt the fighting, they’ll face even more economic penalties from the United States.
Speaking from Scotland, where he’s mixing golf with international pressure, Trump revealed on Truth Social that he’s already spoken to both countries' leaders. His message? “Ceasefire now, or forget about U.S. trade.”
Trade Talks on Hold
In his post, Trump said, “Both Parties are looking for an immediate Ceasefire and Peace. They are also looking to get back to the ‘Trading Table’ with the United States, which we think is inappropriate to do until such time as the fighting STOPS.”
He called Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, urging him to end the war immediately, and warned that without peace, there would be no deals with the U.S. Trump then contacted Thailand’s acting PM Phumtham Wechayachai, who, according to Trump, also expressed a desire for an immediate ceasefire.
Despite his packed golf schedule at Turnberry Resort, Trump made time for both calls and posted updates saying he was “trying to simplify a complex situation.”
Deja Vu: India–Pakistan Playbook
Trump compared this situation to the India–Pakistan conflict earlier this year, where he claimed the U.S. pushed for peace by threatening trade deals. However, Indian officials denied that trade was ever discussed.
Now, Cambodia and Thailand are already in Trump's economic crosshairs. Just last week, he introduced a 36% tariff on exports from both countries, set to begin August 1. With no ceasefire in sight, Trump hinted that the economic fallout could soon get worse.