US pledges $45 million to support Cambodia–Thailand peace process

  
BANGKOK, Jan 9, 2026 (KPT) — The United States has announced $45 million in new assistance to support peace and stability along the Cambodia–Thailand border, following months of deadly clashes and a fragile ceasefire.

Michael George DeSombre, assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, told reporters during a virtual briefing from Bangkok that Washington remained committed to helping both countries implement the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord. He said the package includes $15 million for border stabilization, $10 million for clearing landmines and unexploded ordnance, and $20 million for programs to combat scam operations and drug trafficking.

DeSombre praised the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers by Thailand as a “critical step” toward lasting peace, noting that U.S. diplomacy under President Donald Trump and Secretary 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.

He said Washington would continue to work closely with Cambodia, Thailand and Malaysia to reinforce the truce, support displaced communities and promote regional stability in the Indo‑Pacific. DeSombre added that he will travel to Phnom Penh tomorrow to continue discussions with Cambodian officials on implementing the peace accords and expanding cooperation.