Trump Calls Thailand-Cambodia Truce Easy, Takes Credit For India-Pakistan Ceasefire

Donald Trump mentions 'India, Pakistan conflict' again while taking credit for Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire

US President Donald Trump has once again taken credit for easing tensions between India and Pakistan. This time, he drew a parallel with the ongoing conflict between Thailand and Cambodia.

Trump claimed that he used trade pressure to de-escalate both situations, highlighting his role in brokering peace. While discussing Southeast Asia, he mentioned the strong trade relationships the United States maintains with Thailand and Cambodia. He stated that he personally called the prime ministers of both countries, warning them that no trade agreements would proceed unless they resolved their conflict.

Trump's Approach to Conflict Resolution

Trump explained, "We do a lot of trade with Thailand and Cambodia. Yet I'm reading that they're killing each other." He added, "I say this should be an easy one for me because I settled India and Pakistan. I called the Prime Ministers of each (Thailand and Cambodia) and I said, 'We're not going to make a trade deal unless you settle the war.' By the time I got off the phone, I think they want to settle now."

He further referenced the India-Pakistan standoff by saying, "India and Pakistan were really getting ready to go at it. So getting those things settled—and if I can use trade to do that—then it's my honour." Trump's claims about de-escalating conflicts have been consistent over time.

Claims of Trade Pressure

Over two dozen times, Trump has credited himself for the cessation of hostilties between India and Pakistan by instructing his administration to halt all trade deals with both nations. He believed this pressure compelled both sides to step back from conflict. "We did some great work—India and Pakistan. That was close to being nuclear. We handled it. We did a lot," Trump had earlier told reporters at the White House.

Trump also cited a similar approach in other global flashpoints like Serbia and Kosovo. He recounted telling them, "You go at it, there's no trade with the United States." This strategy mirrored his actions regarding India and Pakistan when he instructed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to cancel all deals with both countries while they were at odds.

India's Response

However, India has consistently dismissed Trump's assertions. Following the Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22, India launched Operation Sindoor, striking nine terror infrastructure in Pakistan and in the Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir on May 7. In response, Pakistan tried to attack the border regions but India successfully neutralised drone, and missile attacks.

India targeted runways, hangars, command and control centres, radar bases, missile sites and weapon storage areas. New Delhi also struck Pakistani military bases at Rafiqui, Murid, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur and Chunian while causing damage to the air bases in Skardu, Bholari, Jacobabad and Sargodha.

However, the operation was put on pause after Islamabad called Delhi twice for a ceasefire on May 10.