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Trump Urges Ceasefire as Thai-Cambodian Border Clashes Leave Over 30 Dead, Thousands Displaced
After four days of deadly clashes along the Thailand-Cambodia border that have killed at least 34 people and displaced more than 168,000, U.S. President Donald Trump has called for an immediate end to hostilities and warned both nations that continued violence could impact future trade agreements.
Posting on Truth Social on Saturday, Trump said he had spoken to leaders from both countries and urged them to halt military operations. He warned that failure to cease fighting could jeopardize ongoing economic discussions with Washington. Trump later confirmed that both Thai and Cambodian leaders had agreed to negotiate a ceasefire.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on Sunday confirmed his government’s commitment to an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire,” adding that he had tasked Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn to coordinate next steps with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Thai diplomats.
“This is positive news for the soldiers and people of both countries,” Hun Manet said in a statement.
Thailand expressed cautious support, with Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai acknowledging Trump’s intervention and agreeing in principle to a ceasefire. However, Thailand stressed the need for a “sincere intention” from Cambodia and called for urgent bilateral talks to outline a path forward.
Despite diplomatic overtures, heavy fighting continued Sunday. Thailand reported a fresh fatality—a soldier—bringing its death toll to 21, mostly civilians. Cambodia reported 13 fatalities. Over 131,000 people have fled areas in Thailand, with another 37,000 displaced in three Cambodian provinces.
Colonel Richa Suksowanont, a Thai army spokesperson, accused Cambodian forces of launching artillery attacks on Surin province and targeting civilian homes and disputed landmarks such as the Ta Muen Thom temple. Cambodia, in turn, accused Thailand of a “large-scale incursion” with tanks and heavy bombardments early Sunday.
Thailand’s Foreign Ministry criticized Cambodia for lacking “good faith” in peace efforts, while Cambodia’s Defense Ministry said Thailand’s actions undermined resolution attempts and revealed an intent to escalate the conflict.
The clashes were triggered Thursday by a landmine explosion that injured five Thai soldiers. Each side has blamed the other for initiating the violence. Diplomatic relations have since frayed, with both countries recalling their ambassadors and Thailand closing border crossings.
The UN Security Council has called on ASEAN, the Southeast Asian regional bloc, to mediate peace efforts. Human Rights Watch condemned the reported use of cluster munitions in civilian areas and urged both sides to respect international humanitarian law.
Civilians caught in the crossfire remain desperate for peace. At a shelter in Surin housing 6,000 evacuees, air-conditioning technician Pichayut Surasit expressed concern for his family. “I wanted to come back as soon as possible,” he said. “I just hope it ends soon.”
Bualee Chanduang, a local vendor, echoed the sentiment. “I pray both sides agree to talk and end this war,” she said, sheltering with her family and pet rabbit.
The 800-kilometre border between the two nations has long been a point of contention, but this latest flare-up is the most intense in years.
News
Investigation Underway After Goa Nightclub Fire Kills at Least 25
Authorities in the Indian state of Goa have opened an investigation into a nightclub fire that killed at least 25 people, including several tourists, in one of the region’s most popular party districts. Six others were injured in the blaze, which broke out shortly after midnight in Arpora, a nightlife hub about 25 kilometres from the state capital, Panaji.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed the death toll in a statement posted on X, saying the victims included many of the club’s kitchen staff and a small number of visiting tourists. He added that all the injured were in stable condition and receiving medical treatment. Rescue teams recovered all bodies from the site.
Early reports from local police, cited by the Press Trust of India, indicated that a gas cylinder explosion triggered the fire. Witnesses, however, told the agency that the blaze appeared to start on the club’s first floor, where nearly 100 tourists were dancing at the time. As smoke and flames swept through the building, many people ran toward the lower floor, where they became trapped along with staff members.
Sawant said a formal inquiry would determine the exact cause and whether the club complied with fire safety regulations. He pledged strict action against anyone found responsible, writing on X that any negligence uncovered by investigators would be “dealt with firmly”.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as patrons attempted to flee the burning building. “We rushed out of the club only to see that the entire structure was up in flames,” said Fatima Shaikh, who was inside when the fire began.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences in a message on X, calling the incident “deeply saddening” and wishing the injured a swift recovery.
Local media reported that the club’s location along the Arpora River backwaters posed challenges for emergency crews. A narrow approach road forced fire engines to park about 400 metres from the entrance, slowing their response. Reports also revealed that the building had previously received a demolition notice after officials found it lacked a construction permit. That order was later withdrawn by senior state authorities, according to Arpora councillor Roshan Redkar.
Incidents involving gas cylinders and electrical faults are not unusual in India and often lead to heavy casualties, prompting renewed calls for stronger enforcement of safety standards. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the tragedy as a “criminal failure of safety and governance” and urged a transparent investigation to establish accountability and prevent future disasters.
The probe into the fire is expected to assess structural safety, emergency exits and compliance with existing regulations as authorities work to piece together how the late-night gathering turned into one of the deadliest incidents in the state in recent years.
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