US President Donald Trump has waded into the Thailand-Cambodia border dispute, speaking with the leaders of both countries in a bid to end the fighting. On Saturday, Trump announced that he had spoken with the Prime Minister of Cambodia and the Acting Prime Minister of Thailand, expressing his desire for an immediate ceasefire and peace. “Just spoke to the Prime Minister of Cambodia relative to stopping the War with Thailand,” Trump posted on his Truth Social network. He later added, “I have just spoken to the Acting Prime Minister of Thailand, and it was a very good conversation.”
The conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has resulted in 32 deaths and over 130 injuries, with tensions flaring over long-contested ancient temple sites. The decades-old dispute re-erupted on Thursday after a landmine explosion along the border wounded five Thai soldiers. Trump emphasized that both Thailand and Cambodia want an immediate ceasefire and peace, saying, “Thailand, like Cambodia, wants to have an immediate Ceasefire, and PEACE. I am now going to relay that message back to the Prime Minister of Cambodia. After speaking to both Parties, Ceasefire, Peace, and Prosperity seems to be a natural. We will soon see!”
Trump also indicated that he would not move forward on trade deals with either nation until the fighting has stopped. This diplomatic effort comes as part of his four-day visit to Scotland, where he owns and is promoting two golf courses. While golf is the main purpose of his trip, Trump also plans to discuss trade with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Trump’s visit to Scotland has not been without controversy, with hundreds of demonstrators gathering in front of the US Consulate in Edinburgh to protest his presence. Protesters criticized Trump’s policies and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for striking a recent trade deal to avoid stiff US tariffs on goods imported from the UK. “The vast majority of Scots have this sort of feeling about Trump that, even though he has Scottish roots, he’s a disgrace,” said Mark Gorman, a 63-year-old advertising professional. Scottish Parliament member Maggie Chapman told a crowd of hundreds in Aberdeen, “We stand in solidarity, not only against Trump but against everything he and his politics stand for.”
Trump’s love for golf has been well-documented, with critics arguing that his frequent golf trips are costly and extravagant. During his first White House term, Trump’s golf trips to Florida cost taxpayers an estimated $141 million. In 2018, a weekend spent at his Turnberry golf resort in Scotland cost taxpayers over $1 million. Despite the criticism, Trump continues to prioritize golf, with his recent visit to Scotland focusing on his Turnberry resort.