U.S. Urges Cambodia, Thailand to Uphold Ceasefire as Trump Intensifies Mediation

WASHINGTON (Jan.02,2026) — The United States has urged Cambodia and Thailand to continue implementing a ceasefire agreed Dec. 27, calling it a sign of both countries’ commitment to lasting peace as President Donald Trump steps up mediation efforts.

In a statement issued Dec. 31, the State Department said actions taken by the two governments showed progress in carrying out the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords.

Washington also welcomed Thailand’s release of 18 Cambodian soldiers, describing it as a positive step toward rebuilding trust and restoring relations between the neighbors.

The statement added that the United States stood ready to support Cambodia and Thailand as they resume measures agreed under the Joint Declaration signed Oct. 26.
The ceasefire followed months of tensions along the shared border, with clashes reported since July.

Trump has been involved in mediation since the early stages of the conflict, including direct talks and phone calls with leaders from both countries.

The Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords were brokered by Trump on Oct. 26 during meetings in Malaysia, alongside wider diplomatic engagements with ASEAN leaders. The agreements aimed to reduce border tensions and strengthen regional cooperation.

Political analysts in Cambodia say recent high-level contact between Phnom Penh and Washington reflects renewed U.S. determination to help resolve the dispute.

Kin Phea, a political science expert, said a recent phone call between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet demonstrated Trump’s firm stance on ending the violence and achieving lasting peace.

On Dec. 31, the 18 Cambodian soldiers, detained in Thailand for more than five months, were released and returned home through the Prum International Point of Entry in Pailin province.

Cambodia and Thailand agreed to an immediate ceasefire during talks between senior military and defense officials, effective from noon Dec. 27 for an initial 72 hours.

The agreement was announced after the third Special General Border Committee meeting, held at the Prum–Ban Pak Kard border crossing between Cambodia’s Pailin province and Thailand’s Chanthaburi province.

Under the deal, both sides committed to halt hostilities, avoid attacks on civilians and infrastructure, and allow displaced residents to return home safely. Troop positions remain unchanged, with neither side permitted to reinforce or advance forces.