US says ASEAN role key to sustaining Cambodia–Thailand peace

  
  
BANGKOK, Jan 9, 2026 (KPT) — The United States stressed Thursday that ASEAN’s involvement will be critical to maintaining the fragile ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, as Washington pledged continued support for the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords.

Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Michael George DeSombre told reporters that U.S. diplomacy under President Donald Trump and Secretary Rubio had been decisive in securing the truce last July, while China’s role was limited. He said Malaysia, as ASEAN chair, had played an “active” part in brokering the accords and that ASEAN observer teams would help monitor compliance.

DeSombre acknowledged that border disputes are complex and long‑standing but voiced optimism that the ceasefire would hold. He pointed to the January 6 incident, when Cambodian ordnance accidentally landed in Thailand, as evidence of restraint and improved communication between commanders on both sides.

He confirmed that Washington’s $45 million assistance package — for border stabilization, mine clearance and tackling scam operations — would be discussed with Cambodian officials during his visit to Phnom Penh tomorrow.

DeSombre said the U.S. remained confident both governments wanted to keep the peace, reopen borders and restore normal economic activity, while ASEAN’s role could serve as a  a precedent for future regional conflict resolution.