Rubio, Walker Urge Cambodia, Thailand to Honor Peace Accord as Civilian Toll Rises

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 10, 2025) — The United States has voiced alarm over renewed fighting between Cambodia and Thailand, less than two months after the neighbors signed a peace agreement in Kuala Lumpur.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called on both sides to halt hostilities and adhere to the Oct. 26 Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord, signed by the two prime ministers and witnessed by U.S. President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

“We strongly urge the immediate cessation of hostilities, the protection of civilians, and for both sides to return to the de escalatory measures outlined in the accords,” Rubio said in a statement.

In Siem Reap on Tuesday, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Bridgette Walker echoed the warning, saying Washington is “deeply concerned” by reports of Thai military strikes on Cambodian territory.

She offered condolences to affected families and stressed that both governments must “respect and implement the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement witnessed by President Donald Trump on Oct. 26, 2025.”

Five days of clashes have left dozens dead and forced more than 100,000 civilians to flee, according to local authorities. According to the ministry of national defense, the second clash from 8 December to 9, 2025 ongoing.

Cambodian defense officials accused Thai forces of intensifying indiscriminate assaults on civilians and cultural sites, expanding the battlefield despite a ceasefire agreement.

Cambodian defense officials accused Thai forces of indiscriminate assaults on civilians and cultural sites.

“Thai military attacks on Cambodia are conducted without direction, targeting civilians, particularly schools, villages, and sacred sites,” Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata said.

Provincial authorities reported at least seven civilian deaths and 20 serious injuries between Dec. 8 and Dec. 9. Cambodia reiterated its call for Thailand to honor the ceasefire and Joint Declaration signed in October.