Trump Vows to “Straighten Out” Cambodia–Thailand Conflict, Warns Citizens Must Stop Dying

WASHINGTON (Dec. 15, 2025) — U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday his administration could help resolve escalating tensions between Cambodia and Thailand, warning that civilian casualties must end.

“We solved eight wars, and one was a little problem yesterday — Thailand and Cambodia. We will be able to straighten it out,” Trump said during an event at the White House. “There were some killings that happened and they shouldn’t have. We appreciate them working together to straighten it out.”

Trump’s remarks came as Malaysia announced it is coordinating efforts to ease hostilities along the disputed border. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said both countries requested a brief postponement of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, originally set for Dec. 16, to allow the situation to stabilize. Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry later confirmed the meeting has been rescheduled for Dec. 22.

As of 6 p.m. Dec. 15, officials said 15 civilians had been killed and 74 injured since fighting erupted Dec. 7. The clashes have forced 126,204 families — about 421,853 people — to flee their homes, including more than 216,000 women and 127,000 children.

Trump also warned he may impose additional trade duties on both Cambodia and Thailand if fighting continues, describing tariffs as a key foreign policy tool. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, he said he had already used tariffs to address “new inflammation” in the conflict.

The interview was recorded Friday after Trump spoke with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet.