US official holds courtesy call at Cambodia’s Peace Palace

Phnom Penh, Jan 10, 2026 (KPT) – Michael George DeSombre, US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, paid a courtesy call and held talks at Cambodia’s Peace Palace on Saturday morning, as Washington seeks to shore up a fragile ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand.

Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn said the US delegation’s visit was aimed at supporting the truce, accusing Thai forces of continuing to occupy Cambodian territory and displace more than 200,000 people.

“On our side, we are committed to maintain and preserve the ceasefire,” Sokhonn said. “We call on Thailand to share the same commitment.”

Speaking a day earlier in Bangkok, DeSombre told reporters that Washington remained committed to helping both countries implement the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord.

He said the package included $15 million for border stabilization, $10 million for mine clearance, and $20 million for programs to combat scam operations and drug trafficking.

DeSombre welcomed Thailand’s release of 18 Cambodian soldiers as a “critical step” toward lasting peace, noting that US diplomacy under President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio had been central to brokering the July ceasefire.

He recalled Trump’s intervention with Cambodian and Thai leaders, which led to talks in Malaysia and the signing of the accords at the ASEAN summit.

The US official said Washington would continue working closely with Cambodia, Thailand and Malaysia to reinforce the truce, support displaced communities and promote regional stability.

He is due in Phnom Penh on Sunday for further discussions on implementing the accords and expanding cooperation.