Cambodia says US officials to visit for ceasefire talks

PHNOM PENH, Jan.09,2026 (KPT) – A US delegation will visit Cambodia in the coming days to help shore up a fragile ceasefire with Thailand, the kingdom’s foreign minister said Thursday.

Prak Sokhonn told Bloomberg recently that a senior State Department official would lead the talks, as he accused 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.”

The announcement comes after a trilateral meeting last week between Cambodia, Thailand and China, with Beijing presenting itself as a neutral mediator. US President Donald Trump has meanwhile threatened tariffs on both countries if fighting continues.

The border conflict has become another arena for US–China rivalry in Southeast Asia, with both powers seeking to play a role in brokering peace. Sokhonn credited Beijing with a “very active role,” while Washington has downplayed China’s influence.

Violence last month spread into six provinces in northeastern Thailand and five in northern Cambodia, despite an October ceasefire hailed by Trump as a breakthrough.

Cambodia’s interior ministry said nearly 470,000 displaced people have returned home since the truce, though more than 178,000 remain in camps.

Authorities reported gradual progress in restoring services in border provinces, but some facilities remain closed.