TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has denied that a family feud is behind the border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. Citing Bangkok Post, he said that the military should be given the freedom to accomplish its mission before engaging in negotiations.
Thaksin made these remarks while visiting Ubon Ratchathani to support civilians displaced by the clashes. He emphasized that the clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces were not caused by personal disputes within political families, as often speculated.
He referred to the rift between his family and former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. An audio recording captured the voice of Thaksin's son, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, appealing to Hun Sen, stating that she would do anything to end the conflict.
The 76-year-old Thaksin refuted claims of political interference, asserting that the military operation should be carried out professionally and independently. "I deny this is a conflict between two families. There was never any personal dispute," he said.
"This incident stems from Cambodia’s dissatisfaction with Thailand. We did nothing to provoke this."
He stressed that if Cambodia wished to engage in dialogue, Thailand was prepared to meet. "But we don’t need intermediaries unless absolutely necessary," Thaksin added.
U.S. President Donald Trump urged both countries to negotiate, emphasizing that trade deals would not proceed as long as the armed conflict between Thailand and Cambodia persisted. "But do not want to make any Deal, with either Country, if they are fighting — And I have told them so!" Trump stated.
He also mentioned that the situation reminded him of the conflict between Pakistan and India, which he claimed to have successfully stopped. "Many people are being killed in this War, but it very much reminds me of the Conflict between Pakistan and India, which was brought to a successful halt," he wrote.
Following Trump's statement, Thailand and Cambodia planned to discuss a ceasefire. The battles that have been ongoing since last Thursday have resulted in at least 32 casualties from both sides.
According to TRT Global, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday, July 27, 2025, stated that Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai had spoken directly with President Trump. During the conversation, Trump requested that both countries immediately agree to a ceasefire. "Thailand agrees in principle to a ceasefire, but we want to see sincere intentions from Cambodia," Phumtham said.
Phumtham also conveyed that Thailand was urging for immediate bilateral dialogue and requested Trump to deliver the message to Cambodia. "Thailand wants to promptly hold bilateral dialogue to devise a mechanism for ending the conflict and achieving peace," he added.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet welcomed the ceasefire initiative. According to Anadolu, Hun Manet stated that the Cambodian foreign minister will coordinate further steps with Thailand by speaking with the U.S. foreign minister, Marco Rubio. However, he cautioned Thailand not to deny any potential agreement reached.
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