SAMRAONG, Cambodia – Hostilities between Thailand and Cambodia continued for a fourth consecutive day on Sunday, despite both nations expressing readiness to negotiate a ceasefire following a late-night intervention by U.S. President Donald Trump.

The escalating border conflict the most intense in years between the Southeast Asian neighbors has already claimed at least 33 lives and displaced more than 200,000 civilians on both sides.

President Trump, in a statement late Saturday, said he had spoken to both Thai and Cambodian leaders, who agreed in principle to begin talks and “work quickly” towards a ceasefire. However, renewed artillery fire broke out early Sunday near the ancient, disputed temples that straddle the border, reigniting fears of a prolonged conflict.

Early Morning Clashes
Cambodian Defence Ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata reported that Thai forces opened fire around 4:50 a.m. near the contested temples, while Thailand’s Deputy Army Spokesman Ritcha Suksuwanon countered that Cambodian forces had launched the initial bombardment at around 4:00 a.m. Both sides blamed each other for igniting the fresh clashes.

The booming of artillery was heard as far as Samraong, a Cambodian town approximately 20 kilometers from the frontline, according to AFP journalists on the scene.

Ceasefire Hopes Dented
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on Sunday said his government agreed to an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire” and was ready to initiate talks. He instructed Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn to coordinate with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his Thai counterparts but warned Bangkok against breaking any agreement reached.

Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai earlier expressed a willingness to enter negotiations but emphasized that Cambodia must demonstrate a “genuine commitment” to achieving peace.

Heavy Casualties and Mass Displacement
The conflict has caused significant loss of life and displacement:

Thailand reports 7 soldiers and 13 civilians killed.

Cambodia confirms 5 soldiers and 8 civilians dead.

Over 138,000 Thai civilians and 80,000 Cambodians have been forced to flee their homes.

The disputed region, covered in dense jungle and agricultural land, has long been a flashpoint between the two countries. Border tensions have periodically flared along the 800-kilometre frontier, where several stretches remain unresolved and contested.

UN Response and Allegations of War Crimes
Following an emergency UN Security Council session on Friday, Cambodia’s UN Ambassador Chhea Keo urged an immediate ceasefire and peaceful resolution to the border dispute. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also appealed to both nations on Saturday to halt hostilities and engage in dialogue.

“The Secretary-General condemns the tragic and unnecessary loss of lives, civilian injuries, and destruction of property,” said his deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq.

Meanwhile, both sides have traded accusations of war crimes. Cambodia alleges Thailand has used cluster munitions, while Thailand accuses Cambodian forces of shelling civilian infrastructure, including a hospital.

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