Analysts Say US Still Backs Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords After Cambodia Briefs Washington on Maritime Dispute

PHNOM PENH, May 19, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodian analysts say the United States remains firmly engaged in efforts to preserve peace along the Cambodia–Thailand border, pointing to Washington’s continued support for the Kuala Lumpur peace accords signed last year.

Their comments followed a May 12 telephone call between Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn and US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker, during which Sokhonn reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to the July 2025 ceasefire and subsequent accords reached in Malaysia.

He also briefed Washington on Cambodia’s plan to pursue compulsory conciliation under UNCLOS after Thailand withdrew from a 2001 memorandum of understanding on overlapping maritime claims.

Political analyst Yang Peou said Cambodia’s reaffirmation demonstrated its determination to resolve tensions peacefully.

“Cambodia values the peace efforts initiated by US President Donald Trump, which led to the signing of the peace deal in Malaysia last year,” he noted.

Peou added that briefing Washington would help the US better understand Cambodia’s position and encourage continued monitoring of the situation.

Another analyst, Kin Phea, said Cambodia’s decision to inform the United States of its maritime strategy was appropriate, particularly after Thailand’s unilateral withdrawal from what he described as the main bilateral mechanism for resolving maritime disputes over the past two decades.

“It is crucial to inform the United States about Cambodia’s commitment to resolving maritime disputes through international law, especially under UNCLOS compulsory conciliation,” he said.

According to the foreign ministry, Hooker reaffirmed US support for the accords and encouraged both sides to use existing bilateral mechanisms to reduce tensions, including the Joint Boundary Commission, the General Border Committee and the Joint Coordinating Task Force.

Government spokesman Pen Bona on Tuesday reiterated Cambodia’s rejection of unilateral Thai maps in the border dispute, stressing Phnom Penh’s reliance on internationally recognised boundaries established by the Franco‑Siamese Boundary Commission and principles of international law.

The Ministry of Interior reported that more than 620,000 displaced residents, or about 95 percent of those affected by last year’s clashes, have returned home.

However, over 31,000 people remain displaced, while schools and health facilities in Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces remain closed, underscoring the fragile humanitarian situation despite the accords.