AKP Phnom Penh, December 19, 2025 -- U.S. Secretary of State H.E. Marco Rubio has spoken with Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, urging the latter to take concrete actions to de-escalate the situation and for Thailand to return to implementing the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords.

According to a statement released on Dec. 18 by the U.S. Department of State, H.E. Marco Rubio underscored the U.S. ' concern regarding the continued violence along the Cambodian border and emphasised the immediate need to reduce tensions. 

The Joint Declaration on the Peace Deal between Cambodia and Thailand was signed on Oct. 26, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur by the Prime Ministers of both countries under the witness of U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister H.E. Anwar Ibrahim, in his capacity as the 2025 Chair of ASEAN.

Despite the agreement, Thailand renewed its military aggression against Cambodia on Dec. 7. H.E. Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, Spokeswoman of the Ministry of National Defence, reported that the attacks, which entered their 13th day today, have become increasingly brutal and indiscriminate, reaching deep into Cambodian territory. She noted the use of various types of heavy weaponry, F-16 fighter jets, and toxic gas, which she described as a severe violation of international law.

The spokeswoman reaffirmed that Cambodia was compelled to respond in self-defence to protect its territorial integrity after exercising maximum restraint for more than 24 hours. She emphasised that Cambodia’s right to self-defence is directed solely at Thai military targets, unlike the actions of the Thai military, which has deliberately targeted residential areas.

As of this morning, the number of displaced civilians surged to over 490,000. The civilian death toll currently stands at 18, including one infant, with 79 others reported injured.

By C. Nika